Methods for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) where a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to treat JIA. In particular, the invention is directed to methods and compositions relating to a fixed dosing regimen for treating JIA with a TNFα inhibitor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/934,310, filed on Jun. 11, 2007; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/002,125, filed on Nov. 5, 2007; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/066,943, filed on Feb. 25, 2008. The contents of the above-mentioned priority applications are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile chronic polyarthritis, or Still's disease) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood and an important cause of disability among children. JIA is an arthritis that causes joint inflammation and stiffness for more than 6 weeks in a child less than 16 years of age. In this disease, the immune system mistakenly targets the synovium. The synovium responds by making excess synovial fluid, which leads to swelling, pain and stiffness. The inflammation can then spread to the surrounding tissues, eventually damaging cartilage and bone. Other areas of the body, including the eyes, kidneys, lungs and heart, also may be affected by the inflammation.

Without treatment, JIA can interfere with a child's normal growth and development. Similar to the therapy of adult RA patients, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and NSAIDs are often used to treat JIA. In recent years, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been identified as an important cytokine in the pathogenesis of JIA. Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated in the pathophysiology of juvenile arthritis, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Grom et al. (1996) Arthritis Rheum. 39:1703; Mangge et al. (1995) Arthritis Rheum. 8:211). Biologic response modifiers that inhibit TNF activity have become a new option for treatment of JIA, including infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab (Ruperto et al. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2004; 22(4):522)).

Children present a unique challenge for dosing in general, as pediatric patient populations present a large range of weights and developmental ages. As such, treatment of JIA has often involved using a strict weight-based dosing scheme. For example, Ruperto et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2007 September; 56(9):2815-6 describes a combination therapy of infliximab and methotrexate for the treatment of JRA, where infliximab was administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg. Similarly, etanercept may be used for the treatment of JIA and is delivered on a strict weight based dosing scheme, i.e., 0.8 mg/kg (see Enbrel® label; see also Lovell et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2003 January; 48(1):218-26).

For all patients, the goals of therapy are to decrease chronic joint pain and suppress the inflammatory process. Accomplishing these goals leads not only to improved short-term and long-term function but also to normal growth and development. JIA presents a unique challenge, not only for providing effective treatments but also for providing treatment regimens and agents which are appropriate for the young patient population associated with JIA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although TNFα inhibitors have been shown to be effective at treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), there remains a need for improved treatment options for subjects suffering from JIA. The instant invention provides an improved means for treating a juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) using a fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor. The present invention provides a number of advantages over more traditional dosing regimens for JIA, i.e., strict weight-based dosing or mg/kg dosing schemes. Identifying a fixed dose which is effective for all patients in a given population, however, is a challenge, especially given the variability of a pediatric patient population.

The instant invention is based on the discovery that JIA may be treated using a TNFα inhibitor and a fixed dosing regimen. By providing a pre-determined amount of a TNFα inhibitor which is effective for treating JIA, the therapeutic agent may be administered more accurately, as weighing and measuring a dose amount no longer necessary. A fixed dose amount of a TNFα inhibitor results in better compliance and safer, more effective treatment.

The instant invention provides improved methods and compositions for treating JIA. Kits and labels which provide information pertaining to the methods, uses, and compositions of the invention are also described herein.

The invention includes a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor to the subject, wherein the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject according to a fixed dosing regimen.

The invention also provides a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising subcutaneously administering a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, to the subject, wherein the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject according to a fixed dosing regimen.

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered on a weight-based fixed dosing regimen. In one embodiment, the weight-based fixed dosing regimen comprises administering 20 mg of the TNFα inhibitor to the subject if the subject weighs less than 30 kg. In another embodiment, the weight-based fixed dosing regimen comprises administering 40 mg of the TNFα inhibitor to the subject if the subject weighs 30 kg or more.

The invention provides a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor, such as a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, wherein the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject at a fixed dose.

In one embodiment, the fixed dosing regimen is initiated when the subject achieves maintenance of a Ped ACR response, e.g., PedACR30, PedACR50, PEdACR70.

The invention also provides a method for maintaining an improved response, e.g., PedACR30, PedACR50, PedACR70, in a subject having juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comprising administering a fixed dose or a weight-based fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor to the subject such that maintenance of the improved response is achieved.

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a packaging material; a TNFα inhibitor; and a label or package insert contained within the packaging material describing a method for administering a fixed dose of the TNFα inhibitor for the treatment of JIA.

In one embodiment, the fixed dose is dependent on the subject's weight or is delivered as a weight-based fixed dose. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating JIA comprising administering a weight-based fixed dose of adalimumab, e.g., over or equal to 30 kg requires a certain dose amount and under 30 kg requires a different dose amount.

In one embodiment, a dose of about 40 mg of adalimumab is administered if the subject is equal to or greater than 30 kg. In one embodiment, a dose of about 20 mg of adalimumab is administered if the subject less than 30 kg.

In one embodiment, a given dose amount is administered to the subject if the subject is equal to or greater than 30 kg. In another embodiment, if the subject is less than 30 kg, then half of the dose amount determined for a subject who is equal to or greater than 30 kg is administered to the subject.

In addition, the invention provides a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comprising first administering a TNFα inhibitor, such as a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, to a subject on a body surface area (BSA) dosing regimen, and subsequently administering the TNFα inhibitor according to a fixed dosing regimen. In one embodiment, the subject was administered a previous therapy comprising a body surface area (BSA) dosing regimen.

The invention provides a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comprising first administering a TNFα inhibitor, such as a TNFα, antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, to a subject on a BSA dosing regimen, and subsequently administering the TNFα inhibitor according to a fixed dosing regimen, wherein about 40 mg of the TNFα inhibitor is administered if the subject is equal to or over 30 kg, and about 20 mg of the TNFα inhibitor is administered if the subject is less than 30 kg in weight. In one embodiment, the fixed dosing regimen is initiated when the subject achieves maintenance of a Ped ACR response, e.g., PedACR30, PedACR50, PedACR70.

The invention also provides a method of improving a PedACR score, e.g., PedACR30, PedACR50, PedACR70, PedACR90, by administering a fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor to a subject in need thereof. The invention further provides a method for improving the active joint count (AJC), improving the number of joints with limitation of passive limitation (LOM), improving a parent's or patient's assessment of pain (PaP), improving the disability index of the Children's Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ DI), or improving the physician's global assessment of disease activity (PhDA) score by administering a TNFα inhibitor as a fixed dose to a subject having JIA.

The invention also includes a method of treating JIA achieving a mean steady-state trough serum TNFα inhibitor of 6.6 μg/mL and 8.1 μg/mL by administering the TNFα inhibitor as monotherapy or with concomitant methotrexate were, respectively. In one embodiment, said pharmacokinetic levels are achieved by administering 40 mg of adalimumab subcutaneously every other week in subjects weighing kg.

The invention further provides a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor to the subject, wherein a mean steady-state trough serum of the TNFα inhibitor is about 6 to 7 μg/mL. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject as a monotherapy. In one embodiment, the subject weighs more than or equal to 30 kg. In another embodiment, the subject weighs less than 30 kg.

Also included in the invention is a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor to the subject, wherein a mean steady-state trough serum of the TNFα inhibitor is about 8 to 9 μg/mL. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject in combination with methotrexate. In one embodiment, the subject weighs more than or equal to 30 kg.

The invention further provides a method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor to the subject, wherein a a mean steady-state trough serum of the TNFα inhibitor is about 10-11 μg/mL. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject in combination with methotrexate. In one embodiment, the subject weighs less than 30 kg.

The invention also provides a method of treating JIA achieving a mean steady-state trough serum TNFα inhibitor of about 6.8 μg/mL (6-7 μg/mL) and 10.9 μg/mL (10-11 μg/mL) by administering the TNFα inhibitor as monotherapy or with concomitant methotrexate were, respectively. In one embodiment, said pharmacokinetic levels are achieved by administering 20 mg of adalimumab subcutaneously every other week in subjects weighing <30 kg.

The invention also provides an article of manufacture comprising a TNFα inhibitor and a label or package insert, wherein the label or package insert indicates that the TNFα inhibitor may be used to treat JIA by administering a fixed dose amount to a subject in need thereof.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is selected from the group consisting of adalimumab, infliximab, and golimumab.

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered weekly to a patient population. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered biweekly to a patient population.

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor, e.g. antibody, is administered to the subject on a biweekly dosing regimen. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor, e.g. antibody, is administered to the subject on weekly. In another embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject on every other week. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject on once every four weeks. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject on once a month. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject on a dosing schedule which is not weekly.

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered as a monotherapy without an additional agent, such as methotrexate.

In another embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered with an additional therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is administered with methotrexate. In one embodiment, the subject is administered methotrexate in combination with the TNFα inhibitor.

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of a TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, a TNF a fusion protein, a TNF a receptor fusion protein, or a recombinant TNF binding protein.

In one embodiment, the TNF receptor fusion protein is etanercept.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is infliximab or golimumab.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is selected from the group consisting of a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, and a multivalent antibody. In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is a human antibody.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is an isolated human antibody that dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(d) of 1×10⁻⁸ M or less and a K_(off) rate constant of 1×10⁻³ s⁻¹ or less, both determined by surface plasmon resonance, and neutralizes human TNFα cytotoxicity in a standard in vitro L929 assay with an IC₅₀ of 1×10⁻⁷ M or less.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody is an isolated human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, that dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(off) rate constant of 1×10⁻³ s⁻¹ or less, as determined by surface plasmon resonance; has a light chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or modified from SEQ ID NO: 3 by a single alanine substitution at position 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8 or by one to five conservative amino acid substitutions at positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and/or 9; and has a heavy chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or modified from SEQ ID NO: 4 by a single alanine substitution at position 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11 or by one to five conservative amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and/or 12.

In one embodiment, the TNFα, antibody is an isolated human antibody, or an antigen binding portion thereof, with a light chain variable region (LCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2

In one embodiment, the human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is adalimumab.

In one embodiment, the TNFα, antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered subcutaneously.

In one embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 20-160 mg. In another embodiment the fixed dose comprises 20-80 mg. In yet another embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 20 mg. In yet another embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 40 mg. In yet another embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 45 mg of the TNFα inhibitor. In one embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 50 mg of the TNFα inhibitor. In yet another embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 90 mg of the TNFα inhibitor. In one embodiment, the fixed dose comprises 100 mg of the TNFα inhibitor.

In one embodiment, BSA dosing regimen for the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is a 24 mg Ada/M² BSA dose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts the study design of a Phase III study used to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of adalimumab in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

FIG. 2 graphically depicts sustained ACR Pedi responses during the BSA-Open-Label Extension period. N=number of patients who completed visit at time point. Due to differing times of enrollment into the BSA-OLE, some patients did not reach later time points in the BSA-OLE period before entering the FD-OLE.

FIG. 3 presents data illustrating that ACR Pedi responses are maintained after switching from BSA dosing to weight-based fixed-dosing. Data shown are only for those patients who entered the FD period of the study. N=patients with data available for that time point.

FIG. 4 graphically depicts ACR Pedi responses, and shows that said responses were maintained at week 48 of the FD period, independent of dosage increase or decrease.

FIG. 5 shows the maintenance of improvements in Mean Tender and Swollen Joint Counts at Week 16 of the FD-Open-Label Extension. Data shown only for patients who entered FD-OLE. Baseline values are from Day 0 of open-label phase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Definitions

The term “dose,” as used herein, refers to an amount of TNFα inhibitor which is administered to a subject.

The term “dosing”, as used herein, refers to the administration of a substance (e.g., an anti-TNFα, antibody) to achieve a therapeutic objective (e.g., treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis).

A “dosing regimen” describes a treatment schedule for a TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a treatment schedule over a prolonged period of time and/or throughout the course of treatment. In one embodiment, the dosing regimen of the invention comprises administering a first fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor at week 0 followed by a second fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor on a biweekly dosing regimen. In one embodiment, the dosing regimen comprises administering a fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor monthly. In one embodiment, the dosing regimen comprises administering a fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor once every four weeks. In one embodiment, the dosing regimen comprises administering a fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor on a schedule that is not weekly.

The term “fixed dosing regimen” refers to a dosing regimen which relies on a fixed dose amount of an agent for the treatment of a disorder. In a preferred embodiment, the fixed dosing regimen includes administering a fixed dose amount of a TNFα inhibitor for the treatment of JIA. A fixed dose refers to a pre-determined amount of an agent, e.g., 20 mg, 21 mg, 22 mg, 23 mg, 24 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 45 mg, 50 mg, 80 mg, 90 mg, 100 mg, etc. In one embodiment, a fixed dosing regimen includes a dosing regimen where a TNFα inhibitor is administered to a subject as a fixed dose consecutively for a given time period, e.g., 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 16, weeks, 24 weeks, 26 weeks, 32 weeks, 36 weeks, 42 weeks, 48 weeks, 52 weeks, 56 weeks, etc., beginning at the initial dose.

In one embodiment, the fixed dose amount depends on a characteristic of the subject, e.g., age or weight of the subject. The term “weight-based fixed dosing regimen” refers to a dosing regimen which includes administration of a fixed dose amount of an agent for the treatment of a disorder, where the fixed amount depends upon the weight of the subject. A “weight-based fixed dosing regimen” does not include a mg/kg dosing regimen. In one embodiment, the fixed dose of a TNFα inhibitor for the treatment of JIA depends on whether the subject having JIA weighs less than a given weight, e.g., 30 kg, or whether the subject having JIA weighs greater than/equal to a given amount, e.g., 30 kg.

The terms “biweekly dosing regimen”, “biweekly dosing”, and “biweekly administration”, as used herein, refer to the time course of administering a substance (e.g., an anti-TNFα antibody) to a subject to achieve a therapeutic objective, e.g, throughout the course of treatment. The biweekly dosing regimen is not intended to include a weekly dosing regimen. Preferably, the substance is administered every 9-19 days, more preferably, every 11-17 days, even more preferably, every 13-15 days, and most preferably, every 14 days. In one embodiment, the biweekly dosing regimen is initiated in a subject at week 0 of treatment on continued thereon. In one embodiment, biweekly dosing includes a dosing regimen wherein doses of a TNFα inhibitor are administered to a subject every other week beginning at week 0. In one embodiment, biweekly dosing includes a dosing regimen where doses of a TNFα inhibitor are administered to a subject every other week consecutively for a given time period, e.g., 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 16, weeks, 24 weeks, 26 weeks, 32 weeks, 36 weeks, 42 weeks, 48 weeks, 52 weeks, 56 weeks, etc. Biweekly dosing methods are also described in US 20030235585, incorporated by reference herein.

The term “combination” as in the phrase “a first agent in combination with a second agent” includes co-administration of a first agent and a second agent, which for example may be dissolved or intermixed in the same pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or administration of a first agent, followed by the second agent, or administration of the second agent, followed by the first agent. The present invention, therefore, includes methods of combination therapeutic treatment and combination pharmaceutical compositions.

The term “concomitant” as in the phrase “concomitant therapeutic treatment” includes administering an agent in the presence of a second agent. A concomitant therapeutic treatment method includes methods in which the first, second, third, or additional agents are co-administered. A concomitant therapeutic treatment method also includes methods in which the first or additional agents are administered in the presence of a second or additional agents, wherein the second or additional agents, for example, may have been previously administered. A concomitant therapeutic treatment method may be executed step-wise by different actors. For example, one actor may administer to a subject a first agent and a second actor may to administer to the subject a second agent, and the administering steps may be executed at the same time, or nearly the same time, or at distant times, so long as the first agent (and additional agents) are after administration in the presence of the second agent (and additional agents). The actor and the subject may be the same entity (e.g., human).

The term “combination therapy”, as used herein, refers to the administration of two or more therapeutic substances, e.g., an anti-TNFα antibody and another drug. The other drug(s) may be administered concomitant with, prior to, or following the administration of an anti-TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof.

The term “treatment,” as used within the context of the present invention, is meant to include therapeutic treatment, as well as prophylactic or suppressive measures, for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. For example, the term treatment may include administration of a TNFα inhibitor prior to or following the onset of juvenile idiopathic arthritis thereby preventing or removing signs of the disease or disorder. As another example, administration of a TNFα inhibitor after clinical manifestation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to combat the symptoms and/or complications and disorders associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis comprises “treatment” of the disease. Further, administration of the agent after onset and after clinical symptoms and/or complications have developed where administration affects clinical parameters of the disease or disorder and perhaps amelioration of the disease, comprises “treatment” of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The term “juvenile idiopathic arthritis” or “JIA” refers to arthritis, i.e., inflammation (cellular damage) of the synovium (the lining of joints), with onset before 16 years of age. JIA is a chronic, inflammatory disease which occurs before age 16 that may cause joint or connective tissue damage. The terms “juvenile idiopathic arthritis” and “JIA” are used interchangeably throughout with the term “juvenile rheumatoid arthritis” and “JRA” (see also Ringold et al. (2005) JAMA 294 (13): 1722)). JIA is also referred to as juvenile chronic polyarthritis and Still's disease.

Those “in need of treatment” include mammals, such as humans, already having juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including those in which the disease or disorder is to be prevented.

The term “human TNFα” (abbreviated herein as hTNFα, or simply hTNF), as used herein, is intended to refer to a human cytokine that exists as a 17 kD secreted form and a 26 kD membrane associated form, the biologically active form of which is composed of a trimer of noncovalently bound 17 kD molecules. The structure of hTNFα is described further in, for example, Pennica, D., et al. (1984) Nature 312:724-729; Davis, J. M., et al. (1987) Biochemistry 26:1322-1326; and Jones, E. Y., et al. (1989) Nature 338:225-228. The term human TNFα is intended to include recombinant human TNFα (rhTNFα), which can be prepared by standard recombinant expression methods or purchased commercially (R & D Systems, Catalog No. 210-TA, Minneapolis, Minn.). TNFα is also referred to as TNF.

The term “TNFα inhibitor” includes agents which interfere with TNFα activity. The term also includes each of the anti-TNFα human antibodies and antibody portions described herein as well as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,382; 6,258,562; 6,509,015, each of which is incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor used in the invention is an anti-TNFα antibody, or a fragment thereof, including, for example, infliximab (Remicade®, Johnson and Johnson; described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,272, incorporated by reference herein), CDP571 (a humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha IgG4 antibody), CDP 870 (a humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody fragment), an anti-TNF dAb (Peptech), CNTO 148 (golimumab; Schering-Plough and Centocor, see WO 02/12502; U.S. Pat. No. 7,250,165; US 20030049725; PCT/US01/24785; US 20040120952; US20050123541; US20050249735; US20070298040; US20070003548; US20060018907; US20060246073; US20070196373; and US20080025976, each of which is incorporated by reference herein), and adalimumab (Humira® (adalimumab)® Abbott Laboratories, a human anti-TNF mAb, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382 as D2E7). Additional TNF antibodies which may be used in the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,593,458; 6,498,237; 6,451,983; and 6,448,380, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. In another embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is a TNFα receptor fusion protein, e.g., etanercept (Enbrel®, Amgen; described in WO 91/03553 and WO 09/406476, incorporated by reference herein). In another embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor is a recombinant TNF binding protein (r-TBP-I) (Serono).

The term “antibody”, as used herein, is intended to refer to immunoglobulin molecules comprised of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds. Each heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as HCVR or VH) and a heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, CH1, CH2 and CH3. Each light chain is comprised of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as LCVR or VL) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region is comprised of one domain, CL. The VH and VL regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Each VH and VL is composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. The antibodies of the invention are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,382; 6,258,562; and 6,509,015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In a preferred embodiment, the antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, used in the invention is an anti-TNFα antibody or TNFα antibody (terms used interchangeably herein).

The term “antigen-binding portion” or “antigen-binding fragment” of an antibody (or simply “antibody portion”), as used herein, refers to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen (e.g., hTNFα). It has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Binding fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fabc, Fv, single chains, and single-chain antibodies. Examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term “antigen-binding portion” of an antibody include (i) a Fab fragment, a monovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CH1 domains; (ii) a F(ab′)₂ fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment consisting of the VH and CH1 domains; (iv) a Fv fragment consisting of the VL and VH domains of a single arm of an antibody, (v) a dAb fragment (or domain antibody) (Ward et al. (1989) Nature 341:544-546), which consists of a VH or a VL domain; and (vi) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR). Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, are coded for by separate genes, they can be joined, using recombinant methods, by a synthetic linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in which the VL and VH regions pair to form monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv); see e.g., Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883). Such single chain antibodies are also intended to be encompassed within the term “antigen-binding portion” of an antibody. Other forms of single chain antibodies, such as diabodies are also encompassed. Diabodies are bivalent, bispecific antibodies in which VH and VL domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair with complementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen binding sites (see e.g., Holliger et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448; Poljak et al. (1994) Structure 2:1121-1123). The antibody portions of the invention are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,382, 6,258,562, 6,509,015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Still further, an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof may be part of a larger immunoadhesion molecules, formed by covalent or noncovalent association of the antibody or antibody portion with one or more other proteins or peptides. Examples of such immunoadhesion molecules include use of the streptavidin core region to make a tetrameric scFv molecule (Kipriyanov, S. M., et al. (1995) Human Antibodies and Hybridomas 6:93-101) and use of a cysteine residue, a marker peptide and a C-terminal polyhistidine tag to make bivalent and biotinylated scFv molecules (Kipriyanov, S. M., et al. (1994) Mol. Immunol. 31:1047-1058). Antibody portions, such as Fab and F(ab′)₂ fragments, can be prepared from whole antibodies using conventional techniques, such as papain or pepsin digestion, respectively, of whole antibodies. Moreover, antibodies, antibody portions and immunoadhesion molecules can be obtained using standard recombinant DNA techniques, as described herein.

A “conservative amino acid substitution”, as used herein, is one in which one amino acid residue is replaced with another amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art, including basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine).

“Chimeric antibodies” refers to antibodies wherein one portion of each of the amino acid sequences of heavy and light chains is homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular class, while the remaining segment of the chains is homologous to corresponding sequences from another species. In one embodiment, the invention features a chimeric antibody or antigen-binding fragment, in which the variable regions of both light and heavy chains mimics the variable regions of antibodies derived from one species of mammals, while the constant portions are homologous to the sequences in antibodies derived from another species. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, chimeric antibodies are made by grafting CDRs from a mouse antibody onto the framework regions of a human antibody.

“Humanized antibodies” refer to antibodies which comprise at least one chain comprising variable region framework residues substantially from a human antibody chain (referred to as the acceptor immunoglobulin or antibody) and at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) substantially from a non-human-antibody (e.g., mouse). In addition to the grafting of the CDRs, humanized antibodies typically undergo further alterations in order to improve affinity and/or immmunogenicity.

The term “multivalent antibody” refers to an antibody comprising more than one antigen recognition site. For example, a “bivalent” antibody has two antigen recognition sites, whereas a “tetravalent” antibody has four antigen recognition sites. The terms “monospecific”, “bispecific”, “trispecific”, “tetraspecific”, etc. refer to the number of different antigen recognition site specificities (as opposed to the number of antigen recognition sites) present in a multivalent antibody. For example, a “monospecific” antibody's antigen recognition sites all bind the same epitope. A “bispecific” or “dual specific” antibody has at least one antigen recognition site that binds a first epitope and at least one antigen recognition site that binds a second epitope that is different from the first epitope. A “multivalent monospecific” antibody has multiple antigen recognition sites that all bind the same epitope. A “multivalent bispecific” antibody has multiple antigen recognition sites, some number of which bind a first epitope and some number of which bind a second epitope that is different from the first epitope

The term “human antibody”, as used herein, is intended to include antibodies having variable and constant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. The human antibodies of the invention may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutation in vivo), for example in the CDRs and in particular CDR3. However, the term “human antibody”, as used herein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences.

The term “recombinant human antibody”, as used herein, is intended to include all human antibodies that are prepared, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as antibodies expressed using a recombinant expression vector transfected into a host cell (described further below), antibodies isolated from a recombinant, combinatorial human antibody library (described further below), antibodies isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse) that is transgenic for human immunoglobulin genes (see e.g., Taylor et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res. 20:6287) or antibodies prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that involves splicing of human immunoglobulin gene sequences to other DNA sequences. Such recombinant human antibodies have variable and constant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant human antibodies are subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or, when an animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivo somatic mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the VII and VL regions of the recombinant antibodies are sequences that, while derived from and related to human germline VH and VL sequences, may not naturally exist within the human antibody germline repertoire in vivo.

Such chimeric, humanized, human, and dual specific antibodies can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques known in the art, for example using methods described in PCT International Application No. PCT/US86/02269; European Patent Application No. 184,187; European Patent Application No. 171,496; European Patent Application No. 173,494; PCT International Publication No. WO 86/01533; U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; European Patent Application No. 125,023; Better et al. (1988) Science 240:1041-1043; Liu et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:3439-3443; Liu et al. (1987) J Immunol. 139:3521-3526; Sun et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:214-218; Nishimura et al. (1987) Cancer Res. 47:999-1005; Wood et al. (1985) Nature 314:446-449; Shaw et al. (1988) J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 80:1553-1559); Morrison (1985) Science 229:1202-1207; Oi et al. (1986) BioTechniques 4:214; U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539; Jones et al. (1986) Nature 321:552-525; Verhoeyan et al. (1988) Science 239:1534; and Beidler et al. (1988) 1 Immunol. 141:4053-4060, Queen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033 (1989), U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,101, U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,089, U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,761, U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,762, Selick et al., WO 90/07861, and Winter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539.

An “isolated antibody”, as used herein, is intended to refer to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic specificities (e.g., an isolated antibody that specifically binds hTNFα is substantially free of antibodies that specifically bind antigens other than hTNFα). An isolated antibody that specifically binds hTNFα may, however, have cross-reactivity to other antigens, such as TNFα molecules from other species. Moreover, an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.

A “neutralizing antibody”, as used herein (or an “antibody that neutralized hTNFα activity”), is intended to refer to an antibody whose binding to hTNFα results in inhibition of the biological activity of hTNFα. This inhibition of the biological activity of hTNFα can be assessed by measuring one or more indicators of hTNFα biological activity, such as hTNFα-induced cytotoxicity (either in vitro or in vivo), hTNFα-induced cellular activation and hTNFα binding to hTNFα receptors. These indicators of hTNFα biological activity can be assessed by one or more of several standard in vitro or in vivo assays known in the art (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382). Preferably, the ability of an antibody to neutralize hTNFα activity is assessed by inhibition of hTNFα-induced cytotoxicity of L929 cells. As an additional or alternative parameter of hTNFα activity, the ability of an antibody to inhibit hTNFα-induced expression of ELAM-1 on HUVEC, as a measure of hTNFα-induced cellular activation, can be assessed.

The term “surface plasmon resonance”, as used herein, refers to an optical phenomenon that allows for the analysis of real-time biospecific interactions by detection of alterations in protein concentrations within a biosensor matrix, for example using the BIAcore system (Pharmacia Biosensor AB, Uppsala, Sweden and Piscataway, N.J.). For further descriptions, see Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,562 and Jönsson et al. (1993) Ann. Biol. Clin. 51:19; Jönsson et al. (1991) Biotechniques 11:620-627; Johnsson et al. (1995) J. Mol. Recognit. 8:125; and Johnnson et al. (1991) Anal. Biochem. 198:268.

The term “K_(off)”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the off rate constant for dissociation of an antibody from the antibody/antigen complex.

The term “K_(id)”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociation constant of a particular antibody-antigen interaction.

The term “IC₅₀” as used herein, is intended to refer to the concentration of the inhibitor required to inhibit the biological endpoint of interest, e.g., neutralize cytotoxicity activity.

Various aspects of the invention are described in further detail herein.

II. TNF Inhibitors

The invention provides improved uses and compositions for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis with a TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a human TNF α antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Compositions and articles of manufacture, including kits, relating to the methods and uses for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis are also contemplated as part of the invention.

A TNFα inhibitor which is used in the methods and compositions of the invention includes any agent which interferes with TNFα activity. In a preferred embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor can neutralize human TNFα activity, particularly detrimental TNFα, activity which is associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (HA).

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor used in the invention is a TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, including chimeric, humanized, and human antibodies. Examples of TNFα antibodies which may be used in the invention include, but not limited to, infliximab (Remicade®, Johnson and Johnson; described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,272, incorporated by reference herein), CDP571 (a humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha IgG4 antibody), CDP 870 (a humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody fragment), an anti-TNF dAb (Peptech), CNTO 148 (golimumab; Schering-Plough and Centocor, described in WO 02/12502; U.S. Pat. No. 7,250,165; US 20030049725; PCT/US01/24785; US 20040120952; US20050123541; US20050249735; US20070298040; US20070003548; US20060018907; US20060246073; US20070196373; and US20080025976, each of which is incorporated by reference herein), and adalimumab (Humira® (adalimumab) Abbott Laboratories, a human anti-TNF mAb, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382 as D2E7). Additional TNF antibodies which may be used in the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,593,458; 6,498,237; 6,451,983; and 6,448,380, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Other examples of TNFα inhibitors which may be used in the methods and compositions of the invention include etanercept (Enbrel, described in WO 91/03553 and WO 09/406476), soluble TNF receptor Type I, a pegylated soluble TNF receptor Type I (PEGs TNF-R1), p55TNFR1gG (Lenercept), and recombinant TNF binding protein (r-TBP-I) (Serono).

In one embodiment, the term “TNFα inhibitor” excludes infliximab. In one embodiment, the term “TNFα inhibitor” excludes adalimumab. In another embodiment, the term “TNFα inhibitor” excludes adalimumab and infliximab.

In one embodiment, the term “TNFα inhibitor” excludes etanercept, and, optionally, adalimumab, infliximab, or adalimumab and infliximab.

In one embodiment, the term “TNFα antibody” excludes infliximab. In one embodiment, the term “TNFα antibody” excludes adalimumab. In another embodiment, the term “TNFα antibody” excludes adalimumab and infliximab.

In one embodiment, the invention features uses and composition of a TNFα inhibitor for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, wherein the TNFα inhibitor is a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody is an isolated human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, that binds to human TNFα with high affinity and a low off rate, and also has a high neutralizing capacity. Preferably, the human antibodies used in the invention are recombinant, neutralizing human anti-hTNFα antibodies. The most preferred recombinant, neutralizing antibody of the invention is referred to herein as D2E7, also referred to as Humira® (adalimumab)® or adalimumab (the amino acid sequence of the D2E7 VL region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; the amino acid sequence of the D2E7 VH region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 2). The properties of D2E7 (adalimumab/Humira® (adalimumab)®) have been described in Salfeld et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,382, 6,258,562, and 6,509,015, which are each incorporated by reference herein. The methods of the invention may also be performed using chimeric and humanized murine anti-hTNFα antibodies which have undergone clinical testing for treatment of idiopathic arthritis (see e.g., Elliott, M. J., et al. (1994) Lancet 344:1125-1127; Elliot, M. J., et al. (1994) Lancet 344:1105-1110; Rankin, E. C., et al. (1995) Br. J. Rheumatol. 34:334-342).

In one embodiment, the method of the invention includes treatment of JIA using a fixed dose of a D2E7 antibody and antibody portion thereof, D2E7-related antibodies and antibody portions, or other human antibodies and antibody portions with equivalent properties to D2E7, such as high affinity binding to hTNFα with low dissociation kinetics and high neutralizing capacity, for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In one embodiment, the invention provides treatment with an isolated human antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, that dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(d) of 1×10⁻⁸ M or less and a K_(off) rate constant of 1×10⁻³ or less, both determined by surface plasmon resonance, and neutralizes human TNFα cytotoxicity in a standard in vitro L929 assay with an IC₅₀ of 1×10⁻⁷ M or less. More preferably, the isolated human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(off) of 5×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ or less, or even more preferably, with a K_(off) of 1×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ or less. More preferably, the isolated human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, neutralizes human TNFα cytotoxicity in a standard in vitro L929 assay with an IC₅₀ of 1×10⁻⁸ M or less, even more preferably with an IC₅₀ of 1×10⁻⁹ M or less and still more preferably with an IC₅₀ of 1×10⁻¹⁰ M or less. In a preferred embodiment, the antibody is an isolated human recombinant antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof.

It is well known in the art that antibody heavy and light chain CDR3 domains play an important role in the binding specificity/affinity of an antibody for an antigen. Accordingly, in another aspect, the invention pertains to treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis by administering human antibodies that have slow dissociation kinetics for association with hTNFα and that have light and heavy chain CDR3 domains that structurally are identical to or related to those of D2E7. Position 9 of the D2E7 VL CDR3 can be occupied by Ala or Thr without substantially affecting the K_(off). Accordingly, a consensus motif for the D2E7 VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence: Q-R-Y-N-R-A-P-Y-(T/A) (SEQ ID NO: 3). Additionally, position 12 of the D2E7 VH CDR3 can be occupied by Tyr or Asn, without substantially affecting the K_(off). Accordingly, a consensus motif for the D2E7 VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence: V-S-Y-L-S-T-A-S-S-L-D-(Y/N) (SEQ ID NO: 4). Moreover, as demonstrated in Example 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382, the CDR3 domain of the D2E7 heavy and light chains is amenable to substitution with a single alanine residue (at position 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8 within the VL CDR3 or at position 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11 within the VH CDR3) without substantially affecting the K_(off). Still further, the skilled artisan will appreciate that, given the amenability of the D2E7 VL and VH CDR3 domains to substitutions by alanine, substitution of other amino acids within the CDR3 domains may be possible while still retaining the low off rate constant of the antibody, in particular substitutions with conservative amino acids. Preferably, no more than one to five conservative amino acid substitutions are made within the D2E7 VL and/or VH CDR3 domains. More preferably, no more than one to three conservative amino acid substitutions are made within the D2E7 VL and/or VH CDR3 domains. Additionally, conservative amino acid substitutions should not be made at amino acid positions critical for binding to hTNFα. Positions 2 and 5 of the D2E7 VL CDR3 and positions 1 and 7 of the D2E7 VH CDR3 appear to be critical for interaction with hTNFα and thus, conservative amino acid substitutions preferably are not made at these positions (although an alanine substitution at position 5 of the D2E7 VL CDR3 is acceptable, as described above) (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382, incorporated by reference herein).

Accordingly, in another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof preferably contains the following characteristics:

a) dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(off) rate constant of 1×10⁻³ s⁻¹ or less, as determined by surface plasmon resonance;

b) has a light chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or modified from SEQ ID NO: 3 by a single alanine substitution at position 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8 or by one to five conservative amino acid substitutions at positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and/or 9;

c) has a heavy chain CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or modified from SEQ ID NO: 4 by a single alanine substitution at position 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11 or by one to five conservative amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and/or 12.

More preferably, the antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(off) of 5×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ or less. Even more preferably, the antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, dissociates from human TNFα with a K_(off) of 1×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ or less.

In yet another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof preferably contains a light chain variable region (LCVR) having a CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or modified from SEQ ID NO: 3 by a single alanine substitution at position 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8, and with a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) having a CDR3 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or modified from SEQ ID NO: 4 by a single alanine substitution at position 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11. Preferably, the LCVR further has a CDR2 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 (i.e., the D2E7 VL CDR2) and the HCVR further has a CDR2 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 (i.e., the D2E7 VH CDR2). Even more preferably, the LCVR further has CDR1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 (i.e., the D2E7 VL CDR1) and the HCVR has a CDR1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 (i.e., the D2E7 VH CDR1). The framework regions for VL preferably are from the V_(κ)I human germline family, more preferably from the A20 human germline Vk gene and most preferably from the D2E7 VL framework sequences shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B of U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382. The framework regions for VH preferably are from the V_(H)3 human germline family, more preferably from the DP-31 human germline VH gene and most preferably from the D2E7 VH framework sequences shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B of U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382, incorporated by reference herein.

Accordingly, in another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof preferably contains a light chain variable region (LCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (i.e., the D2E7 VL) and a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 (i.e., the D2E7 VH). In certain embodiments, the antibody comprises a heavy chain constant region, such as an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgE, IgM or IgD constant region. Preferably, the heavy chain constant region is an IgG1 heavy chain constant region or an IgG4 heavy chain constant region. Furthermore, the antibody can comprise a light chain constant region, either a kappa light chain constant region or a lambda light chain constant region. Preferably, the antibody comprises a kappa light chain constant region. Alternatively, the antibody portion can be, for example, a Fab fragment or a single chain Fv fragment.

In still other embodiments, the invention includes uses of an isolated human antibody, or an antigen-binding portions thereof, containing D2E7-related VL and VH CDR3 domains. For example, antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, with a light chain variable region (LCVR) having a CDR3 domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 or with a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) having a CDR3 domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 34 and SEQ ID NO: 35.

The TNFα antibody used in the methods and compositions of the invention may be modified for improved treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In some embodiments, the TNFα antibody or antigen binding fragments thereof, is chemically modified to provide a desired effect. For example, pegylation of antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention may be carried out by any of the pegylation reactions known in the art, as described, for example, in the following references: Focus on Growth Factors 3:4-10 (1992); EP 0 154 316; and EP 0 401 384 (each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). Preferably, the pegylation is carried out via an acylation reaction or an alkylation reaction with a reactive polyethylene glycol molecule (or an analogous reactive water-soluble polymer). A preferred water-soluble polymer for pegylation of the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention is polyethylene glycol (PEG). As used herein, “polyethylene glycol” is meant to encompass any of the forms of PEG that have been used to derivatize other proteins, such as mono (Cl-ClO) alkoxy- or aryloxy-polyethylene glycol.

Methods for preparing pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention will generally comprise the steps of (a) reacting the antibody or antibody fragment with polyethylene glycol, such as a reactive ester or aldehyde derivative of PEG, under conditions whereby the antibody or antibody fragment becomes attached to one or more PEG groups, and (b) obtaining the reaction products. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the optimal reaction conditions or the acylation reactions based on known parameters and the desired result.

Pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments may generally be used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis by administration of the TNFα, antibodies and antibody fragments described herein. Generally the pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments have increased half-life, as compared to the nonpegylated antibodies and antibody fragments. The pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments may be employed alone, together, or in combination with other pharmaceutical compositions.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, TNFα antibodies or fragments thereof can be altered wherein the constant region of the antibody is modified to reduce at least one constant region-mediated biological effector function relative to an unmodified antibody. To modify an antibody of the invention such that it exhibits reduced binding to the Fc receptor, the immunoglobulin constant region segment of the antibody can be mutated at particular regions necessary for Fc receptor (FcR) interactions (see e.g., Canfield, S. M. and S. L. Morrison (1991) J. Exp. Med. 173:1483-1491; and Lund, J. et al. (1991) J. of Immunol. 147:2657-2662). Reduction in FcR binding ability of the antibody may also reduce other effector functions which rely on FcR interactions, such as opsonization and phagocytosis and antigen-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

An antibody or antibody portion used in the methods and compositions of the invention can be derivatized or linked to another functional molecule (e.g., another peptide or protein). Accordingly, the antibodies and antibody portions of the invention are intended to include derivatized and otherwise modified forms of the human anti-hTNFα antibodies described herein, including immunoadhesion molecules. For example, an antibody or antibody portion of the invention can be functionally linked (by chemical coupling, genetic fusion, noncovalent association or otherwise) to one or more other molecular entities, such as another antibody (e.g., a bispecific antibody or a diabody), a detectable agent, a cytotoxic agent, a pharmaceutical agent, and/or a protein or peptide that can mediate associate of the antibody or antibody portion with another molecule (such as a streptavidin core region or a polyhistidine tag).

One type of derivatized antibody is produced by crosslinking two or more antibodies (of the same type or of different types, e.g., to create bispecific antibodies). Suitable crosslinkers include those that are heterobifunctional, having two distinctly reactive groups separated by an appropriate spacer (e.g., m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) or homobifunctional (e.g., disuccinimidyl suberate). Such linkers are available from Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.

Useful detectable agents with which an antibody or antibody portion of the invention may be derivatized include fluorescent compounds. Exemplary fluorescent detectable agents include fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, 5-dimethylamine-1-napthalenesulfonyl chloride, phycoerythrin and the like. An antibody may also be derivatized with detectable enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase, glucose oxidase and the like. When an antibody is derivatized with a detectable enzyme, it is detected by adding additional reagents that the enzyme uses to produce a detectable reaction product. For example, when the detectable agent horseradish peroxidase is present, the addition of hydrogen peroxide and diaminobenzidine leads to a colored reaction product, which is detectable. An antibody may also be derivatized with biotin, and detected through indirect measurement of avidin or streptavidin binding.

An antibody, or antibody portion, used in the methods and compositions of the invention, can be prepared by recombinant expression of immunoglobulin light and heavy chain genes in a host cell. To express an antibody recombinantly, a host cell is transfected with one or more recombinant expression vectors carrying DNA fragments encoding the immunoglobulin light and heavy chains of the antibody such that the light and heavy chains are expressed in the host cell and, preferably, secreted into the medium in which the host cells are cultured, from which medium the antibodies can be recovered. Standard recombinant DNA methodologies are used to obtain antibody heavy and light chain genes, incorporate these genes into recombinant expression vectors and introduce the vectors into host cells, such as those described in Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (eds), Molecular Cloning; A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., (1989), Ausubel, F. M. et al. (eds.) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing Associates, (1989) and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,397 by Boss et al.

To express adalimumab (D2E7) or an adalimumab (D2E7)-related antibody, DNA fragments encoding the light and heavy chain variable regions are first obtained. These DNAs can be obtained by amplification and modification of germline light and heavy chain variable sequences using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Germline DNA sequences for human heavy and light chain variable region genes are known in the art (see e.g., the “Vbase” human germline sequence database; see also Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunologicallnterest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242; Tomlinson, I. M., et al. (1992) “The Repertoire of Human Germline V_(H) Sequences Reveals about Fifty Groups of V_(H) Segments with Different Hypervariable Loops” J. Mol. Biol. 227:776-798; and Cox, J. P. L. et al. (1994) “A Directory of Human Germ-line V₇₈ Segments Reveals a Strong Bias in their Usage” Eur. J. Immunol. 24:827-836; the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference). To obtain a DNA fragment encoding the heavy chain variable region of D2E7, or a D2E7-related antibody, a member of the V_(H)3 family of human germline VH genes is amplified by standard PCR. Most preferably, the DP-31 VH germline sequence is amplified. To obtain a DNA fragment encoding the light chain variable region of D2E7, or a D2E7-related antibody, a member of the V_(κ)I family of human germline VL genes is amplified by standard PCR. Most preferably, the A20 VL germline sequence is amplified. PCR primers suitable for use in amplifying the DP-31 germline VH and A20 germline VL sequences can be designed based on the nucleotide sequences disclosed in the references cited supra, using standard methods.

Once the germline VH and VL fragments are obtained, these sequences can be mutated to encode the D2E7 or D2E7-related amino acid sequences disclosed herein. The amino acid sequences encoded by the germline VH and VL DNA sequences are first compared to the D2E7 or D2E7-related VH and VL amino acid sequences to identify amino acid residues in the D2E7 or D2E7-related sequence that differ from germline. Then, the appropriate nucleotides of the germline DNA sequences are mutated such that the mutated germline sequence encodes the D2E7 or D2E7-related amino acid sequence, using the genetic code to determine which nucleotide changes should be made. Mutagenesis of the germline sequences is carried out by standard methods, such as PCR-mediated mutagenesis (in which the mutated nucleotides are incorporated into the PCR primers such that the PCR product contains the mutations) or site-directed mutagenesis.

Moreover, it should be noted that if the “germline” sequences obtained by PCR amplification encode amino acid differences in the framework regions from the true germline configuration (i.e., differences in the amplified sequence as compared to the true germline sequence, for example as a result of somatic mutation), it may be desirable to change these amino acid differences back to the true germline sequences (i.e., “backmutation” of framework residues to the germline configuration).

Once DNA fragments encoding D2E7 or D2E7-related VH and VL segments are obtained (by amplification and mutagenesis of germline VH and VL genes, as described above), these DNA fragments can be further manipulated by standard recombinant DNA techniques, for example to convert the variable region genes to full-length antibody chain genes, to Fab fragment genes or to a scFv gene. In these manipulations, a VL- or VH-encoding DNA fragment is operatively linked to another DNA fragment encoding another protein, such as an antibody constant region or a flexible linker. The term “operatively linked”, as used in this context, is intended to mean that the two DNA fragments are joined such that the amino acid sequences encoded by the two DNA fragments remain in-frame.

The isolated DNA encoding the VH region can be converted to a full-length heavy chain gene by operatively linking the VH-encoding DNA to another DNA molecule encoding heavy chain constant regions (CH1, CH2 and CH3). The sequences of human heavy chain constant region genes are known in the art (see e.g., Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242) and DNA fragments encompassing these regions can be obtained by standard PCR amplification. The heavy chain constant region can be an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgE, IgM or IgD constant region, but most preferably is an IgG1 or IgG4 constant region. For a Fab fragment heavy chain gene, the VH-encoding DNA can be operatively linked to another DNA molecule encoding only the heavy chain CH1 constant region.

The isolated DNA encoding the VL region can be converted to a full-length light chain gene (as well as a Fab light chain gene) by operatively linking the VL-encoding DNA to another DNA molecule encoding the light chain constant region, CL. The sequences of human light chain constant region genes are known in the art (see e.g., Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242) and DNA fragments encompassing these regions can be obtained by standard PCR amplification. The light chain constant region can be a kappa or lambda constant region, but most preferably is a kappa constant region.

To create a scFv gene, the VH- and VL-encoding DNA fragments are operatively linked to another fragment encoding a flexible linker, e.g., encoding the amino acid sequence (Gly₄-Ser)₃, such that the VH and VL sequences can be expressed as a contiguous single-chain protein, with the VL and VH regions joined by the flexible linker (see e.g., Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; McCafferty et al., Nature (1990) 348:552-554).

To express the antibodies, or antibody portions used in the invention, DNAs encoding partial or full-length light and heavy chains, obtained as described above, are inserted into expression vectors such that the genes are operatively linked to transcriptional and translational control sequences. In this context, the term “operatively linked” is intended to mean that an antibody gene is ligated into a vector such that transcriptional and translational control sequences within the vector serve their intended function of regulating the transcription and translation of the antibody gene. The expression vector and expression control sequences are chosen to be compatible with the expression host cell used. The antibody light chain gene and the antibody heavy chain gene can be inserted into separate vector or, more typically, both genes are inserted into the same expression vector. The antibody genes are inserted into the expression vector by standard methods (e.g., ligation of complementary restriction sites on the antibody gene fragment and vector, or blunt end ligation if no restriction sites are present). Prior to insertion of the D2E7 or D2E7-related light or heavy chain sequences, the expression vector may already carry antibody constant region sequences. For example, one approach to converting the D2E7 or D2E7-related VH and VL sequences to full-length antibody genes is to insert them into expression vectors already encoding heavy chain constant and light chain constant regions, respectively, such that the VH segment is operatively linked to the CH segment(s) within the vector and the VL segment is operatively linked to the CL segment within the vector. Additionally or alternatively, the recombinant expression vector can encode a signal peptide that facilitates secretion of the antibody chain from a host cell. The antibody chain gene can be cloned into the vector such that the signal peptide is linked in-frame to the amino terminus of the antibody chain gene. The signal peptide can be an immunoglobulin signal peptide or a heterologous signal peptide (i.e., a signal peptide from a non-immunoglobulin protein).

In addition to the antibody chain genes, the recombinant expression vectors of the invention carry regulatory sequences that control the expression of the antibody chain genes in a host cell. The term “regulatory sequence” is intended to include promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals) that control the transcription or translation of the antibody chain genes. Such regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel; Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector, including the selection of regulatory sequences may depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired, etc. Preferred regulatory sequences for mammalian host cell expression include viral elements that direct high levels of protein expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/or enhancers derived from cytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as the CMV promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus 40 (SV40) (such as the SV40 promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e.g., the adenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP)) and polyoma. For further description of viral regulatory elements, and sequences thereof, see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,062 by Stinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,245 by Bell et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,615 by Schaffner et al.

In addition to the antibody chain genes and regulatory sequences, the recombinant expression vectors used in the invention may carry additional sequences, such as sequences that regulate replication of the vector in host cells (e.g., origins of replication) and selectable marker genes. The selectable marker gene facilitates selection of host cells into which the vector has been introduced (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,634,665 and 5,179,017, all by Axel et al.). For example, typically the selectable marker gene confers resistance to drugs, such as G418, hygromycin or methotrexate, on a host cell into which the vector has been introduced. Preferred selectable marker genes include the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene (for use in dhfr⁻ host cells with methotrexate selection/amplification) and the neo gene (for G418 selection).

For expression of the light and heavy chains, the expression vector(s) encoding the heavy and light chains is transfected into a host cell by standard techniques. The various forms of the term “transfection” are intended to encompass a wide variety of techniques commonly used for the introduction of exogenous DNA into a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell, e.g., electroporation, calcium-phosphate precipitation, DEAE-dextran transfection and the like. Although it is theoretically possible to express the antibodies of the invention in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells, expression of antibodies in eukaryotic cells, and most preferably mammalian host cells, is the most preferred because such eukaryotic cells, and in particular mammalian cells, are more likely than prokaryotic cells to assemble and secrete a properly folded and immunologically active antibody. Prokaryotic expression of antibody genes has been reported to be ineffective for production of high yields of active antibody (Boss, M. A. and Wood, C. R. (1985) Immunology Today 6:12-13).

Preferred mammalian host cells for expressing the recombinant antibodies of the invention include Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO cells) (including dhfr− CHO cells, described in Urlaub and Chasin, (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216-4220, used with a DHFR selectable marker, e.g., as described in R. J. Kaufman and P. A. Sharp (1982) Mol. Biol. 159:601-621), NSO myeloma cells, COS cells and SP2 cells. When recombinant expression vectors encoding antibody genes are introduced into mammalian host cells, the antibodies are produced by culturing the host cells for a period of time sufficient to allow for expression of the antibody in the host cells or, more preferably, secretion of the antibody into the culture medium in which the host cells are grown. Antibodies can be recovered from the culture medium using standard protein purification methods.

Host cells can also be used to produce portions of intact antibodies, such as Fab fragments or scFv molecules. It is understood that variations on the above procedure are within the scope of the present invention. For example, it may be desirable to transfect a host cell with DNA encoding either the light chain or the heavy chain (but not both) of an antibody of this invention. Recombinant DNA technology may also be used to remove some or all of the DNA encoding either or both of the light and heavy chains that is not necessary for binding to hTNFα. The molecules expressed from such truncated DNA molecules are also encompassed by the antibodies of the invention. In addition, bifunctional antibodies may be produced in which one heavy and one light chain are an antibody of the invention and the other heavy and light chain are specific for an antigen other than hTNFα by crosslinking an antibody of the invention to a second antibody by standard chemical crosslinking methods.

In a preferred system for recombinant expression of an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, of the invention, a recombinant expression vector encoding both the antibody heavy chain and the antibody light chain is introduced into dhfr-CHO cells by calcium phosphate-mediated transfection. Within the recombinant expression vector, the antibody heavy and light chain genes are each operatively linked to CMV enhancer/AdMLP promoter regulatory elements to drive high levels of transcription of the genes. The recombinant expression vector also carries a DHFR gene, which allows for selection of CHO cells that have been transfected with the vector using methotrexate selection/amplification. The selected transformant host cells are culture to allow for expression of the antibody heavy and light chains and intact antibody is recovered from the culture medium. Standard molecular biology techniques are used to prepare the recombinant expression vector, transfect the host cells, select for transformants, culture the host cells and recover the antibody from the culture medium.

In view of the foregoing, nucleic acid, vector and host cell compositions that can be used for recombinant expression of the antibodies and antibody portions used in the invention include nucleic acids, and vectors comprising said nucleic acids, comprising the human TNFα antibody adalimumab (D2E7). The nucleotide sequence encoding the D2E7 light chain variable region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 36. The CDR1 domain of the LCVR encompasses nucleotides 70-102, the CDR2 domain encompasses nucleotides 148-168 and the CDR3 domain encompasses nucleotides 265-291. The nucleotide sequence encoding the D2E7 heavy chain variable region is shown in SEQ ID NO: 37. The CDR1 domain of the HCVR encompasses nucleotides 91-105, the CDR2 domain encompasses nucleotides 148-198 and the CDR3 domain encompasses nucleotides 295-330. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that nucleotide sequences encoding D2E7-related antibodies, or portions thereof (e.g., a CDR domain, such as a CDR3 domain), can be derived from the nucleotide sequences encoding the D2E7 LCVR and HCVR using the genetic code and standard molecular biology techniques.

Recombinant human antibodies of the invention in addition to D2E7 or an antigen binding portion thereof, or D2E7-related antibodies disclosed herein can be isolated by screening of a recombinant combinatorial antibody library, preferably a scFv phage display library, prepared using human VL and VH cDNAs prepared from mRNA derived from human lymphocytes. Methodologies for preparing and screening such libraries are known in the art. In addition to commercially available kits for generating phage display libraries (e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System, catalog no. 27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAP™ phage display kit, catalog no. 240612), examples of methods and reagents particularly amenable for use in generating and screening antibody display libraries can be found in, for example, Ladner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; Kang et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/18619; Dower et al. PCT Publication No. WO 91/17271; Winter et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/20791; Markland et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/15679; Breitling et al. PCT Publication No. WO 93/01288; McCafferty et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/01047; Garrard et al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/09690; Fuchs et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372; Hay et al. (1992) Hum Antibod Hybridomas 3:81-65; Huse et al. (1989) Science 246:1275-1281; McCafferty et al., Nature (1990) 348:552-554; Griffiths et al. (1993) EMBO J 12:725-734; Hawkins et al. (1992) J Mol Biol 226:889-896; Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352:624-628; Gram et al. (1992) PNAS 89:3576-3580; Garrard et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1373-1377; Hoogenboom et al. (1991) Nuc Acid Res 19:4133-4137; and Barbas et al. (1991) PNAS 88:7978-7982.

In a preferred embodiment, to isolate human antibodies with high affinity and a low off rate constant for hTNFα, a murine anti-hTNFα antibody having high affinity and a low off rate constant for hTNFα (e.g., MAK 195, the hybridoma for which has deposit number ECACC 87 050801) is first used to select human heavy and light chain sequences having similar binding activity toward hTNFα, using the epitope imprinting methods described in Hoogenboom et al., PCT Publication No. WO 93/06213. The antibody libraries used in this method are preferably scFv libraries prepared and screened as described in McCafferty et al., PCT Publication No. WO 92/01047, McCafferty et al., Nature (1990) 348:552-554; and Griffiths et al., (1993) EMBO J 12:725-734. The scFv antibody libraries preferably are screened using recombinant human TNFα as the antigen.

Once initial human VL and VH segments are selected, “mix and match” experiments, in which different pairs of the initially selected VL and VH segments are screened for hTNFα binding, are performed to select preferred VL/VH pair combinations. Additionally, to further improve the affinity and/or lower the off rate constant for hTNFα binding, the VL and VH segments of the preferred VL/VH pair(s) can be randomly mutated, preferably within the CDR3 region of VH and/or VL, in a process analogous to the in vivo somatic mutation process responsible for affinity maturation of antibodies during a natural immune response. This in vitro affinity maturation can be accomplished by amplifying VH and VL regions using PCR primers complimentary to the VH CDR3 or VL CDR3, respectively, which primers have been “spiked” with a random mixture of the four nucleotide bases at certain positions such that the resultant PCR products encode VII and VL segments into which random mutations have been introduced into the VH and/or VL CDR3 regions. These randomly mutated VH and VL segments can be rescreened for binding to hTNFα and sequences that exhibit high affinity and a low off rate for hTNFα binding can be selected.

Following screening and isolation of an anti-hTNFα antibody of the invention from a recombinant immunoglobulin display library, nucleic acid encoding the selected antibody can be recovered from the display package (e.g., from the phage genome) and subcloned into other expression vectors by standard recombinant DNA techniques. If desired, the nucleic acid can be further manipulated to create other antibody forms of the invention (e.g., linked to nucleic acid encoding additional immunoglobulin domains, such as additional constant regions). To express a recombinant human antibody isolated by screening of a combinatorial library, the DNA encoding the antibody is cloned into a recombinant expression vector and introduced into a mammalian host cells, as described in further detail in above.

Methods of isolating human neutralizing antibodies with high affinity and a low off rate constant for hTNFα are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,090,382, 6,258,562, and 6,509,015, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Antibodies, antibody-portions, and other TNFα inhibitors for use in the methods of the invention, can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to a subject. Typically, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody, antibody portion, or other TNFα inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like that are physiologically compatible. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include one or more of water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In many cases, it is preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may further comprise minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, preservatives or buffers, which enhance the shelf life or effectiveness of the antibody, antibody portion, or other TNFα inhibitor. Additional aspects relating to the administration of and pharmaceutical compositions comprising TNFα inhibitors for treating JIA on a fixed dose regimen are provided in Section III below.

III. Uses and Compositions for Treating Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (MA)

The invention provides methods for treating JIA using a fixed dose regimen including administration of a TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof.

JIA causes joint inflammation and stiffness for more than 6 weeks in a child of 16 years of age or less. Inflammation causes redness, swelling, warmth, and soreness in the joints. Any joint can be affected and inflammation may limit the mobility of affected joints. One type of JIA can also affect the internal organs.

JIA is often classified into three types by the number of joints involved, the symptoms, and the presence or absence of certain antibodies found by a blood test. These classifications help the physician determine how the disease will progress and whether the internal organs or skin is affected. The classifications of JIA include the following

a. Pauciarticular JIA, wherein the patient has four or fewer joints are affected. Pauciarticular is the most common form of JIA, and typically affects large joints, such as the knees.

b. Polyarticular JIA, wherein five or more joints are affected. The small joints, such as those in the hands and feet, are most commonly involved, but the disease may also affect large joints.

c. Systemic JIA is characterized by joint swelling, fever, a light skin rash, and may also affect internal organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Systemic JIA is also referred to as it Still's disease. A small percentage of these children develop arthritis in many joints and can have severe arthritis that continues into adulthood.

The invention provides an improved means for treating a JIA using a fixed dose, i.e., a pre-determined given amount, of a TNFα inhibitor. A fixed dose stands in contrast to a mg/kg weight based dosing scheme, where the amount given to a subject is calculated according to the subject's weight. A fixed dose amount of a TNFα inhibitor simplifies the medication regimen, which in turn decreases the risk of medication non-compliance and translates into more effective treatment.

While strict weight based dosing, i.e., mg per kilogram (mg/kg) dosing, may be an effective means for determining the dose amount, a fixed dosing regimen provides a number of advantages. By using a fixed dose, the administration of the TNFα inhibitor is simplified and compliance is likely improved. Fixed doses also have improved safety considerations. For example, as therapeutic agents are generally provided in discrete amounts, dosing based on a specific characteristic of a subject, e.g., mg/kg or BSA, results in the subject administering what is needed, and often having to preserve the remainder of the therapeutic agent for future administration. In the case of biologics, such as the TNFα inhibitors adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab, and infliximab, storage of partially used vials of the agent may present safety concerns if such storage is not proper. Additionally, once a vial (or syringe, pen, etc) is opened for administration, sterility for future use cannot be assured. By using a fixed dose amount for the treatment of JIA, aforementioned safety issues may be avoided as the vial (or syringe, pen, etc.) contains the specific fixed dose. Upon delivery, the use of the vial is completed and the container properly disposed.

In one embodiment, the fixed dose amount of TNFα inhibitor ranges from 10-200 mg. In one embodiment, the fixed dose amount comprises a dose ranging from 20-160 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; 20-100 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; 20-90 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; 20-80 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; 20-70 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; 20-60 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; 20-50 mg of the TNFα inhibitor; or 20-40 mg of the TNFα inhibitor. Numbers intermediate to the above recited fixed dose amounts, e.g., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, etc., as well as all other numbers recited herein, are also intended to be part of this invention. Ranges of values using a combination of any of the above recited values as upper and/or lower limits are intended to be included in the scope of the invention, e.g., 15-45, 20-25, 25-45, etc.

In one embodiment, the fixed dose amount of TNFα inhibitor comprises a fixed dose amount of 20 mg, 40 mg, 45 mg, 50 mg, 90 mg, or 100 mg.

The fixed dosing regimen of the invention includes, in one embodiment, administering the fixed dose amount of the TNFα inhibitor according to a dosing schedule. In one embodiment, the fixed dose amount is administered to the subject for the treatment of JIA according to a biweekly dosing regimen. In another embodiment, the fixed dose amount is administered to the subject monthly for the treatment of JIA. Alternatively, the fixed dose amount is administered to the subject once every four weeks for the treatment of JIA. The fixed dose amount of the TNFα inhibitor may be administered as the initial dose of treatment in the dosing schedule.

The fixed dose amount of the TNFα inhibitor may be administered in accordance with whether the subject is above or below a given characteristic of the subject, such as, but not limited to, age or weight. Thus, in one embodiment, the fixed dosing regimen for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a weight-based fixed dose. A fixed dosing regimen which depends on the weight of a subject is referred to herein as a weight-based fixed dosing regimen, and is not equivalent to a strict weight based dosing regimen (mg/kg). For example, different fixed dose amounts may be administered to a subject having JIA depending on whether the subject weighs less than, equal to, or greater than 30 kg. It should be noted that 30 kg is provided as an exemplary weight and should not be used to limit the invention. Alternative weights for determining which fixed dose amounts include, but are not limited to, 25 kg, 26 kg, 27 kg, 28 kg, 29 kg, 30 kg, 31 kg, 32 kg, 33 kg, 34 kg, and 35 kg. In one embodiment, a weight based fixed dosing regimen comprises administering 20 mg of the TNFα inhibitor to the subject if the subject weighs less than 30 kg. In another embodiment, a weight based fixed dosing regimen comprises administering 40 mg of the TNFα inhibitor to the subject if the subject weighs 30 kg or more.

In one embodiment, the fixed dosing regimen includes different fixed dose amounts. For example, in instances where a given fixed dose is administered according the weight of the subject, e.g., 30 kg or less, a fixed dosing regimen would include changing the fixed dose should the subject at some point during treatment exceed the determined weight limitation for the different fixed doses. For example, a fixed dosing regimen includes administering 20 mg of a human TNFα antibody when the subject weighs less than 30 kg, and subsequently administering 40 mg of the human TNFα antibody when the subject weighs more than 30 kg.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating JIA comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, on a fixed dosing regimen or in a combination dosing regimen, e.g., a fixed dosing regimen in combination with a BSA dosing regimen. A fixed dosing regimen may be used as the dosing regimen for the treatment of JIA with a TNFα inhibitor, where, for example, the subject is initially started on treatment based on a fixed dose and continues thereon. Alternatively, the fixed dosing regimen may be combined with a dosing regimen based on a specific characteristic of the subject, e.g., body surface area (BSA). In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, the BSA dosing regimen comprises administering a dose of about 20-30 mg according to the given body surface area of the subject, e.g., 24 mg/M² BSA. In one embodiment, the human TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered on a fixed dosing regimen in combination with a BSA-dosing regimen, wherein the BSA dose comprises about 24 mg adalimumab/M² BSA.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered subcutaneously to the subject.

A dosage unit form or a fixed dose amount, as used herein, refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the mammalian subjects to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular therapeutic or prophylactic effect to be achieved, and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of sensitivity in individuals.

Dosage regimens described herein may be adjusted to provide the optimum desired response, e.g., maintaining remission of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, preventing flare-ups, in consideration of the teachings herein. It is to be noted that dosage values may vary with the type and severity of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens may be adjusted over time according to the teachings of the specification in view of the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions. It should further be understood that dosage amounts and ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed invention.

The compositions for use in the methods and compositions of the invention may be in a variety of forms. These include, for example, liquid, semi-solid and solid dosage forms, such as liquid solutions (e.g., injectable and infusible solutions), dispersions or suspensions, tablets, pills, powders, liposomes and suppositories. The preferred form depends on the intended mode of administration and therapeutic application. Typical preferred compositions are in the form of injectable or infusible solutions, such as compositions similar to those used for passive immunization of humans with other antibodies or other TNFα inhibitors. The preferred mode of administration is parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular). In a preferred embodiment, the antibody or other TNFα inhibitor is administered by intravenous infusion or injection. In another preferred embodiment, the antibody or other TNFα inhibitor is administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Therapeutic compositions typically must be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, dispersion, liposome, or other ordered structure suitable to high drug concentration. Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound (i.e., antibody, antibody portion, or other TNFα inhibitor) in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying that yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof. The proper fluidity of a solution can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. Prolonged absorption of injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.

In one embodiment, the invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a TNFα inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis on a fixed dose regimen.

In one embodiment, the antibody or antibody portion for use in the methods of the invention is incorporated into a pharmaceutical formulation as described in PCT/IB03/04502 and U.S. Appln. No. 20040033228, incorporated by reference herein. This formulation includes a concentration 50 mg/ml of the antibody D2E7 (adalimumab), wherein one pre-filled syringe contains 20 or 40 mg of antibody for subcutaneous injection. Alternatively, a pen may be used to deliver 20 or 40 mg of antibody for subcutaneous injection.

The antibodies, antibody-portions, and other TNFα inhibitors of the present invention can be administered by a variety of methods known in the art, although for many therapeutic applications, the preferred route/mode of administration is parenteral, e.g., subcutaneous injection. In another embodiment, administration is via intravenous injection or infusion.

As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the route and/or mode of administration will vary depending upon the desired results. In certain embodiments, the active compound may be prepared with a carrier that will protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants, transdermal patches, and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are patented or generally known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Sustained and Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems, Robinson, ed., Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978.

In one embodiment, the TNFα antibodies and inhibitors used in the invention are delivered to a subject subcutaneously. In one embodiment, the subject administers the TNFα inhibitor, including, but not limited to, TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, to himself/herself. The TNFα inhibitor may be administered subcutaneously using a pre-filed syringe or, alternatively, a pen, such as an autoinjector pen described in PCT publication WO 2008/005315, incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

The TNFα antibodies and inhibitors used in the invention may also be administered in the form of protein crystal formulations which include a combination of protein crystals encapsulated within a polymeric carrier to form coated particles. The coated particles of the protein crystal formulation may have a spherical morphology and be microspheres of up to 500 micro meters in diameter or they may have some other morphology and be microparticulates. The enhanced concentration of protein crystals allows the antibody of the invention to be delivered subcutaneously. In one embodiment, the TNFα antibodies of the invention are delivered via a protein delivery system, wherein one or more of a protein crystal formulation or composition, is administered to a subject with a TNFα-related disorder. Compositions and methods of preparing stabilized formulations of whole antibody crystals or antibody fragment crystals are also described in WO 02/072636, which is incorporated by reference herein. In one embodiment, a formulation comprising the crystallized antibody fragments described in PCT/IB03/04502 and U.S. Appln. No. 20040033228, incorporated by reference herein, are used to treat idiopathic arthritis using the treatment methods of the invention.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may include a “therapeutically effective amount” or a “prophylactically effective amount” of an antibody or antibody portion of the invention. A “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic result, i.e., treatment of JIA. In consideration of the teachings herein, a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody, antibody portion, or other TNFα inhibitor may vary within the scope of the invention according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of the antibody, antibody portion, other TNFα inhibitor to elicit a desired response in the individual. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the antibody, antibody portion, or other TNFα inhibitor are outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount.

In certain embodiments, an antibody, antibody portion, or other TNFα inhibitor of the invention may be orally administered, for example, with an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. The compound (and other ingredients, if desired) may also be enclosed in a hard or soft shell gelatin capsule, compressed into tablets, or incorporated directly into the subject's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the compounds may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. To administer a compound of the invention by other than parenteral administration, it may be necessary to coat the compound with, or co-administer the compound with, a material to prevent its inactivation.

Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions. In certain embodiments, an antibody or antibody portion for use in the methods of the invention is coformulated with and/or coadministered with one or more additional therapeutic agents, including an juvenile idiopathic arthritis inhibitor or antagonist. For example, an anti-hTNFα antibody or antibody portion of the invention may be coformulated and/or coadministered with one or more additional antibodies that bind other targets associated with TNFα, related disorders (e.g., antibodies that bind other cytokines or that bind cell surface molecules), one or more cytokines, soluble TNFα receptor (see e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 94/06476) and/or one or more chemical agents that inhibit hTNFα production or activity (such as cyclohexane-ylidene derivatives as described in PCT Publication No. WO 93/19751) or any combination thereof. Furthermore, one or more antibodies of the invention may be used in combination with two or more of the foregoing therapeutic agents. Such combination therapies may advantageously utilize lower dosages of the administered therapeutic agents, thus avoiding possible side effects, complications or low level of response by the patient associated with the various monotherapies.

The TNFα inhibitor, e.g., TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, may be administered to the subject on a biweekly, fixed dosing regimen in accordance with the teachings herein. In one embodiment, biweekly dosing includes a dosing regimen wherein doses of a TNFα inhibitor are administered to a subject every other week beginning at week 0. In one embodiment, biweekly dosing includes a dosing regimen where doses of a TNFα inhibitor are administered to a subject every other week consecutively for a given time period, e.g., 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 16, weeks, 24 weeks, 26 weeks, 32 weeks, 36 weeks, 42 weeks, 48 weeks, 52 weeks, 56 weeks, etc. In one embodiment, the methods of the invention comprising administering a TNFα, antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, on a biweekly dosing regimen subcutaneously. Biweekly dosing regimens can be used to treat disorders in which TNFα activity is detrimental, and are further described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/163,657 (US 20030235585), incorporated by reference herein. In one embodiment, a fixed dose amount of the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered to the subject monthly.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating JIA in a subject comprising administering adalimumab, to the subject at week 0 on a biweekly, fixed dosing regimen. In one embodiment, the human TNFα, antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered subcutaneously. In one embodiment, JIA is treated by administering adalimumab on biweekly dosing regimen for at least about 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks, 11 weeks, 12 weeks, 13 weeks, 14 weeks, 15 weeks, for 16 weeks, for 17 weeks, for 18 weeks, for 19 weeks, for 20 weeks, for 21 weeks, for 22 weeks, for 23 weeks, for 24 weeks, for 25 weeks, for 26 weeks, for 27 weeks, for 28 weeks, for 29 weeks, for 30 weeks, for 31 weeks, for 32 weeks, 33 weeks, 34 weeks, 35 weeks, 36 weeks, 37 weeks, 38 weeks, 39 weeks, 40 weeks, 41 weeks, 42 weeks, 43 weeks, 44 weeks, 45 weeks, 46 weeks, 47 weeks, 48 weeks, or at least about 48 weeks.

Methods of treatment described herein may include administration of a TNFα inhibitor to a subject to achieve a therapeutic goal, e.g., improvement in PedACR response, improvement swollen joint count (SJC), increase in time until flare-up, and improvement in tender joint count (TJC). Also included in the scope of the invention are uses of a TNFα inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament to achieve a therapeutic goal, e.g., improvement in PedACR response, swollen joint count (SJC), time until flare-up, and tender joint count (TJC). Thus, where methods are described herein, it is also intended to be part of this invention that the use of the TNFα inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament for the purpose of the method is also considered within the scope of the invention. Likewise, where a use of a TNFα inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament for the purpose of achieving a therapeutic goal is described, methods of treatment resulting in the therapeutic goal are also intended to be part of the invention.

Using the methods of the invention, JIA may be improved in subjects in need thereof using a index known in the art for determining patient improvements. Examples of such indices include, but are not limited to, a PedACR score, e.g., PedACR30, PedACR50, PedACR70, PedACR90, active joint count (AJC), number of joints with limitation of passive limitation (LOM), a parent's or patient's assessment of pain (PaP), the disability index of the Children's Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ DI), or the physician's global assessment of disease activity (PhDA) score. Thus, the method of the invention may be used to improve such scores in a subject having JIA.

The Pediatric (Ped) ACR is a standardized set of definitions for remission and clinical improvement developed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for measuring disease outcome and severity in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (see, for example, Giannini, et al. (1997) Arthritis Rheum. 40(7):1202-9). Improvement is denoted as either Ped ACR 20, ACR 50, ACR 70, or ACR 90 reflecting either an improvement from baseline in at least 3 of any 6 variables in the core set to the 20%, 50%, 70%, or 90% level, with no more than 1 of the remaining variables worsening by >30%. The variables in the core set consist of physician global assessment of disease activity, parent/patient assessment of overall well-being (each scored on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale), functional ability, number of joints with active arthritis, number of joints with limited range of motion, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. For example, an ACR20 response means clinical improvement indicated by a 20% improvement in the number of tender and swollen joints and a 20% improvement in at least three of five additional criteria. Other examples of indices which may be used for determining improvement in a subject having JIA are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 20080118496, incorporated by reference herein.

Articles of Manufacture

The invention also pertains to packaged pharmaceutical compositions or kits for administering a TNFα inhibitor using a fixed dosing regimen for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In one embodiment of the invention, the kit comprises a TNFα inhibitor, such as an antibody, and instructions for administration of the TNFα inhibitor for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The instructions may describe how, e.g., subcutaneously, and when, e.g., at week 0, week 2, week 4, etc., the fixed doses of TNFα inhibitor shall be administered to a subject for treatment. The instructions may also include different fixed dose amounts that should be administered depending on the subject's weight.

The term “package insert” is used to refer to instructions customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic products, that contain information about the indications, usage, dosage, administration, contraindications and/or warnings concerning the use of such therapeutic products.

Another aspect of the invention pertains to kits containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a TNFα inhibitor, such as an antibody, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more pharmaceutical compositions each comprising an additional therapeutic agent useful for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Alternatively, the kit comprises a single pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-TNFα antibody, one or more drugs useful for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The instructions may describe how, e.g., subcutaneously, and when, e.g., at week 0, week 2, week 4, etc., the fixed doses of TNFα inhibitor and/or the additional therapeutic agent shall be administered to a subject for treatment.

The kit may contain instructions for dosing of the pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Additional description regarding articles of manufacture of the invention are described in subsection III. The package or kit alternatively can contain the TNFα inhibitor and it can be promoted for use, either within the package or through accompanying information, for the uses or treatment of the disorders described herein. The packaged pharmaceuticals or kits further can include a second agent (as described herein) packaged with or copromoted with instructions for using the second agent with a first agent (as described herein).

The invention also provides a packaged pharmaceutical composition wherein the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., TNFα antibody, is packaged within a kit or an article of manufacture. The kit or article of manufacture of the invention contains materials useful for the treatment, including how to administer a fixed dosing regimen to a subject, of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The kit or article of manufacture comprises a container and a label or package insert or printed material on or associated with the container which provides information regarding use of the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody, for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

A kit or an article of manufacture refers to a packaged product comprising components with which to administer a TNFα inhibitor for treatment of a juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The kit preferably comprises a box or container that holds the components of the kit. The box or container is affixed with a label or a Food and Drug Administration approved label, including a protocol for administering the TNFα inhibitor. The box or container holds components of the invention which are preferably contained within plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene, or propylene vessels. The vessels can be capped-tubes or bottles. The kit can also include instructions for administering the TNFα antibody in accordance with the fixed dose of the invention. In one embodiment the kit of the invention includes the formulation comprising the human antibody adalimumab (or D2E7), as described in PCT/IB03/04502 and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/222,140, incorporated by reference herein.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture of the invention comprises (a) a first container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition comprises a TNFα antibody; and (b) a package insert indicating that the TNFα antibody may be used for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining remission of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In a preferred embodiment, the label or package insert indicates that the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody, is used for inducing and maintaining remission juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Suitable containers for the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody, include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, pens, etc. The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. The container holds a composition which is by itself or when combined with another composition effective for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing the condition and may have a sterile access port.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture comprises a TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody, and a label which indicates to a subject who will be administering the TNFα inhibitor about using the TNFα inhibitor for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including polyarticular JIA. The label may be anywhere within or on the article of manufacture. In one embodiment, the article of manufacture comprises a container, such as a box, which comprises the TNFα inhibitor and a package insert or label providing information pertaining to use of the TNFα inhibitor for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In another embodiment, the information is printed on a label which is on the outside of the article of manufacture, in a position which is visible to prospective purchasers.

In one embodiment, the package insert of the invention informs a reader, including a subject, e.g., a purchaser, who will be administering the TNFα inhibitor for treatment, that the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody such as adalimumab, is an indicated treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including polyarticular JIA.

In one embodiment, the package insert of the invention describes certain therapeutic benefits of the TNFα antibody, e.g., adalimumab, including specific symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis which may be reduced by using the TNFα antibody, e.g., adalimumab. It should be noted that the package insert may also contain information pertaining to other disorders which are treatable using the TNFα antibody, e.g., adalimumab. Information described herein which is provided in a package insert and pertains to other disorders, i.e., diseases other than juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is also included within the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the package insert of the invention describes the fixed dose amount and administration of adalimumab for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture of the invention comprises instructions regarding how to treat JIA using a fixed dose of TNF inhibitor. The package insert may indicate that Humira® (adalimumab) is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients ages 4 years of age and older. The package insert may also indicate that Humira® (adalimumab) can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate. In one embodiment, the label indicates that adalimumab may be used to treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) by reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients ages 4 years of age and older. In another embodiment, the package insert indicates that the dosing of adalimumab for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is as follows: 15 kg (33 lbs) to <30 kg (66 lbs): 20 mg every other week; and ≥30 kg (66 lbs): 40 mg every other week.

The label may indicate that therapy includes a 24 mg Ada/M² BSA dose at week 0, which is administered every other week subcutaneously. The label may also indicate that the dosing for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with adalimumab is 24 mg Ada/M² BSA every other week. The label may also indicate that some patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis may derive additional benefit by increasing frequency to 24 mg Ada/M² BSA every week.

In another embodiment, the package insert of the invention indicates that adalimumab is administered by subcutaneous injection for the treatment of JIA.

In one embodiment, the package insert may indicate that the recommended dose of Humira® (adalimumab) for patients 4 to 17 years of age with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is based on weight as shown below in Table 1A. The insert may further indicate that methotrexate, glucocorticoids, salicylates, NSAIDs or analgesics may be continued during treatment with Humira® (adalimumab). In addition, the insert may indicate that limited data are available for Humira® (adalimumab) treatment in pediatric patients with a weight below 15 kg.

TABLE 1 Pediatric Patients (4 to 17 years) Dose 15 kg (33 lbs) to <30 kg (66 lbs) 20 mg every other week (20 mg Prefilled Syringe) ≥30 kg (66 lbs) 40 mg every other week (Humira ® (adalimumab) Pen or 40 mg Prefilled Syringe)

In another embodiment, the package insert may indicate that it is recommended that juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating Humira® (adalimumab) therapy. The insert may further indicate that patients on Humira® (adalimumab) may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines.

In another embodiment, the package insert may indicate that, in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adalimumab antibodies were identified in 16% of Humira® (adalimumab)-treated patients. The insert may further indicate that in patients receiving concomitant methotrexate, the incidence was 6% compared to 26% with Humira® (adalimumab) monotherapy.

In another embodiment, the package insert may indicate the type and frequency of adverse reactions reported in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients during clinical studies. In various embodiments, the insert may include some or all of the following. In general, the adverse reactions in pediatric patients were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients.

The label or package insert may include important findings and differences from adults are discussed in the following paragraphs.

In one embodiment, the package insert may indicate that in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis study, Humira® (adalimumab) was shown to reduce signs and symptoms of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients ages 4 to 17 years of age. The package insert may also indicate that Humira® (adalimumab) has not been studied in children less than 4 years of age, and there are limited data on Humira® (adalimumab) treatment in children with weight <15 kg. In addition, the insert may indicate that safety of Humira® (adalimumab) in pediatric patients was generally similar to that observed in adults with certain exceptions.

In another embodiment, the package insert may indicate that in subjects with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (ages 4 to 17 years of age), the mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for subjects weighing <30 kg receiving 20 mg Humira® (adalimumab) subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant methotrexate were 6.8 μg/mL and 10.9 μg/mL, respectively. In another embodiment, the insert may also indicate that the mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for subjects weighing ≥30 kg receiving 40 mg Humira® (adalimumab) subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant methotrexate were 6.6 μg/mL and 8.1 μg/mL, respectively.

In one embodiment, the package insert includes information regarding juvenile idiopathic arthritis clinical studies. In various embodiments, the insert may include some or all of the following.

In another embodiment, the package insert of the invention may indicate that Humira® (adalimumab) is used in adults or children (as indicated) to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children 4 years of age and older. In yet another embodiment, the package insert may indicate that Humira® (adalimumab) can be used alone or with methotrexate or with certain other medicines.

The package insert of the invention may also provide information to subjects who will be receiving adalimumab regarding combination uses for both safety and efficacy purposes. The package insert of the invention may contain warnings and precautions regarding the use of the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody such as adalimumab. In one embodiment, the information provided in the label describes certain adverse events identified during studies of the efficacy and safety of the TNFα inhibitor.

The label of the invention may contain information regarding the use of the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., a TNFα antibody such as adalimumab, in clinical studies for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In one embodiment, the label of the invention describes the studies described herein as the Examples, either as a whole or in portion. The label or package insert may indicate that Humira® (adalimumab) has been studied in 171 pediatric patients, aged 4 to 17 years of age, with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (see Examples provided herein).

The label of the invention may contain information regarding adverse events. The label or package insert may indicate that severe adverse reactions reported in the study included neutropenia, streptococcal pharyngitis, increased aminotransferases, herpes zoster, myositis, metrorrhagia, appendicitis. The label or package insert may indicate that serious infections were observed in 4% of patients within approximately 2 years of initiation of treatment with Humira® (adalimumab) and included cases of herpes simplex, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, pharyngitis, and herpes zoster. The label or package insert may indicate that a total of 45% of children experienced an infection while receiving Humira® (adalimumab) with or without concomitant MTX in the first 16 weeks of treatment. The label or package insert may indicate that the types of infections reported in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients were generally similar to those commonly seen in outpatient JIA populations. The label or package insert may indicate that upon initiation of treatment, the most common adverse reactions occurring in the pediatric population treated with Humira® (adalimumab) were injection site pain and injection site reaction (19% and 16%, respectively). The label or package insert may indicate that a less commonly reported adverse event in children receiving Humira® (adalimumab) was granuloma annulare which did not lead to discontinuation of Humira® (adalimumab) treatment. The label or package insert may indicate that in the first 48 weeks of treatment, non-serious hypersensitivity reactions were seen in approximately 6% of children and included primarily localized allergic hypersensitivity reactions and allergic rash. The label or package insert may indicate that isolated mild to moderate elevations of liver aminotransferases (ALT more common than AST) were observed in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis exposed to Humira® (adalimumab) alone; liver function tests (LFT) elevations were more frequent among those treated with the combination of Humira® (adalimumab) and MTX. The label or package insert may indicate that, in general, these elevations did not lead to discontinuation of Humira® (adalimumab) treatment. The label or package insert may indicate that in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis trial, 10% of patients treated with Humira® (adalimumab) who had negative baseline anti-dsDNA antibodies developed positive titers after 48 weeks of treatment. The label or package insert may indicate that no patient developed clinical signs of autoimmunity during the clinical trial. The label or package insert may indicate that approximately 15% of children treated with Humira® (adalimumab) developed mild-to-moderate elevations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK). The label or package insert may indicate that elevations exceeding 5 times the upper limit of normal were observed in several patients. CPK levels decreased or returned to normal in all patients. The label or package insert may indicate that most patients were able to continue Humira® (adalimumab) without interruption.

In one embodiment of the invention, the kit comprises a TNFα inhibitor, such as an antibody, an second pharmaceutical composition comprising an additional therapeutic agent, and instructions for administration of both agents for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The instructions may describe how, e.g., subcutaneously, and when, e.g., at week 0, week 2, and biweekly thereafter, doses of TNFα antibody and/or the additional therapeutic agent shall be administered to a subject for treatment.

Another aspect of the invention pertains to kits containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-TNFα antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more additional pharmaceutical compositions each comprising a drug useful for treating a TNFα related disorder and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Alternatively, the kit comprises a single pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-TNFα antibody, one or more drugs useful for treating a TNFα related disorder and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The kits further contain instructions for fixed dosing of the pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of a TNFα related disorder.

The package or kit alternatively may contain the TNFα inhibitor and it may be promoted for use, either within the package or through accompanying information, for the uses or treatment of the disorders described herein. The packaged pharmaceuticals or kits further can include a second agent (as described herein) packaged with or copromoted with instructions for using the second agent with a first agent (as described herein).

Additional Therapeutic Agents

TNFα inhibitors, including antibodies, used in the methods and compositions of the invention, or antigen binding portions thereof can be used alone or in combination to treat JIA. It should be understood that the antibodies or antigen binding portion thereof can be used alone or in combination with an additional agent, e.g., a therapeutic agent, said additional agent being selected by the skilled artisan for its intended purpose. For example, the additional agent can be a therapeutic agent art-recognized as being useful to treat the disease or condition being treated by the antibody of the present invention. The additional agent also can be an agent that imparts a beneficial attribute to the therapeutic composition e.g., an agent which effects the viscosity of the composition. In one embodiment, the TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered with methotrexate.

It should further be understood that the combinations which are to be included within this invention are those combinations useful for their intended purpose. The agents set forth below are illustrative for purposes and not intended to be limited. The combinations, which are part of this invention, can be the TNFα inhibitors used in the present invention and at least one additional agent selected from the lists below. The combination can also include more than one additional agent, e.g., two or three additional agents if the combination is such that the formed composition can perform its intended function.

TNFα inhibitors described herein may be used in combination with additional therapeutic agents such as a Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) or a Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug (NSAID) or a steroid or any combination thereof. Preferred examples of a DMARD are hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, methotrexate, parenteral gold, oral gold and sulfasalazine. Preferred examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(s) also referred to as NSAIDS include drugs like ibuprofen. Other preferred combinations are corticosteroids including prednisolone; the well known side effects of steroid use can be reduced or even eliminated by tapering the steroid dose required when treating patients in combination with the anti-TNFα antibodies in the methods and compositions of this invention. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis with which an antibody, or antibody portion, of the invention can be combined include the following: cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drug(s) (CSAIDs); antibodies to or antagonists of other human cytokines or growth factors, for example, TNF, LT, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-16, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23, interferons, EMAP-II, GM-CSF, FGF, and PDGF. Antibodies of the invention, or antigen binding portions thereof, can be combined with antibodies to cell surface molecules such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD45, CD69, CD80 (B7.1), CD86 (B7.2), CD90, CTLA or their ligands including CD154 (gp39 or CD40L).

Preferred combinations of therapeutic agents may interfere at different points in the autoimmune and subsequent inflammatory cascade; preferred examples include TNF antagonists such as soluble p55 or p75 TNF receptors, derivatives, thereof, (p75TNFR1gG (Enbrel™) or p55TNFR1gG (Lenercept), chimeric, humanized or human TNF antibodies, or a fragment thereof, including infliximab (Remicade®, Johnson and Johnson; described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,272, incorporated by reference herein), CDP571 (a humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha IgG4 antibody), CDP 870 (a humanized monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody fragment), an anti-TNF dAb (Peptech), CNTO 148 (golimumab; Medarex and Centocor, see WO 02/12502; U.S. Pat. No. 7,250,165; US 20030049725; PCT/US01/24785; US 20040120952; US20050123541; US20050249735; US20070298040; US20070003548; US20060018907; US20060246073; US20070196373; and US20080025976, each of which is incorporated by reference herein), and adalimumab (Humira® Abbott Laboratories, a human anti-TNF mAb, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,382 as D2E7). Additional TNF antibodies which can be used in the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,593,458; 6,498,237; 6,451,983; and 6,448,380, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other combinations including TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors; IL-1 inhibitors (Interleukin-1-converting enzyme inhibitors, IL-1RA etc.) may be effective for the same reason. In one embodiment, the methods and compositions of the invention combine a TNF inhibitor, i.e. TNF antagonist, with an IL-6 antibody, such as tocilizumab (Actemra). Other preferred combinations include Interleukin 11. Yet another preferred combination are other key players of the autoimmune response which may act parallel to, dependent on or in concert with TNF function; especially preferred are IL-18 antagonists including IL-18 antibodies or soluble IL-18 receptors, or IL-18 binding proteins. It has been shown that TNF and IL-18 have overlapping but distinct functions and a combination of antagonists to both may be most effective. Yet another preferred combination are non-depleting anti-CD4 inhibitors. Yet other preferred combinations include antagonists of the co-stimulatory pathway CD80 (B7.1) or CD86 (B7.2) including antibodies, soluble receptors or antagonistic ligands.

The TNFα inhibitors used in the invention, including antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, may also be combined with agents, such as methotrexate, 6-MP, azathioprine sulphasalazine, mesalazine, olsalazine chloroquinine/ohydroxychloroquine, pencillamine, aurothiomalate (intramuscular and oral), azathioprine, cochicine, corticosteroids (oral, inhaled and local injection), beta-2 adrenoreceptor agonists (salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeteral), xanthines (theophylline, aminophylline), cromoglycate, nedocromil, ketotifen, ipratropium and oxitropium, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, NSAIDs, for example, ibuprofen, corticosteroids such as prednisolone, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adensosine agonists, antithrombotic agents, complement inhibitors, adrenergic agents, agents which interfere with signalling by proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα or IL-1 (e.g. IRAK, NIK, IKK, p38 or MAP kinase inhibitors), IL-1β converting enzyme inhibitors, TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors, T-cell signalling inhibitors such as kinase inhibitors, metalloproteinase inhibitors, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurines, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, soluble cytokine receptors and derivatives thereof (e.g. soluble p55 or p75 TNF receptors and the derivatives p75TNFRIgG (Enbrel™ and p55TNFRIgG (Lenercept)), sIL-1RI, sIL-1RII, sIL-6R), antiinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, IL-13 and TGFβ), tocilizumab (Actemra), celecoxib, folic acid, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, rofecoxib, etanercept, infliximab, naproxen, valdecoxib, sulfasalazine, methylprednisolone, meloxicam, methylprednisolone acetate, gold sodium thiomalate, aspirin, triamcinolone acetonide, propoxyphene napsylate/apap, folate, nabumetone, diclofenac, piroxicam, etodolac, diclofenac sodium, oxaprozin, oxycodone hcl, hydrocodone bitartrate/apap, diclofenac sodium/misoprostol, fentanyl, anakinra, human recombinant, tramadol hcl, salsalate, sulindac, cyanocobalamin/fa/pyridoxine, acetaminophen, alendronate sodium, prednisolone, morphine sulfate, lidocaine hydrochloride, indomethacin, glucosamine sulf/chondroitin, amitriptyline hcl, sulfadiazine, oxycodone hcl/acetaminophen, olopatadine hcl, misoprostol, naproxen sodium, omeprazole, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, IL-1 TRAP, MRA, CTLA4-IG, IL-18 BP, anti-IL-18, Anti-IL15, BIRB-796, SCIO-469, VX-702, AMG-548, VX-740, Roflumilast, IC-485, CDC-801, and Mesopram. Preferred combinations include methotrexate or leflunomide and in moderate or severe rheumatoid arthritis cases, cyclosporine.

Nonlimiting additional agents which can also be used in combination with an TNFα inhibitor, e.g., TNF antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, to treat JIA, include, but are not limited to, the following: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(s) (NSAIDs); cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drug(s) (CSAIDs); CDP-571/BAY-10-3356 (humanized anti-TNFα antibody; Celltech/Bayer); cA2/infliximab (chimeric anti-TNFα antibody; Centocor); 75 kdTNFR-IgG/etanercept (75 kD TNF receptor-IgG fusion protein; Immunex; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1994) Vol. 37, 5295; J. Invest. Med. (1996) Vol. 44, 235A); 55 kdTNF-IgG (55 kD TNF receptor-IgG fusion protein; Hoffmann-LaRoche); IDEC-CE9.1/SB 210396 (non-depleting primatized anti-CD4 antibody; IDEC/SmithKline; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1995) Vol. 38, S185); DAB 486-IL-2 and/or DAB 389-IL-2 (IL-2 fusion proteins; Seragen; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1993) Vol. 36, 1223); Anti-Tac (humanized anti-IL-2Ra; Protein Design Labs/Roche); IL-4 (anti-inflammatory cytokine; DNAX/Schering); IL-10 (SCH 52000; recombinant IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokine; DNAX/Schering); IL-4; IL-10 and/or IL-4 agonists (e.g., agonist antibodies); IL-1RA (IL-1 receptor antagonist; Synergen/Amgen); anakinra (Kineret®/Amgen); TNF-bp/s-TNF (soluble TNF binding protein; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S284; Amer. J. Physiol. —Heart and Circulatory Physiology (1995) Vol. 268, pp. 37-42); R973401 (phosphodiesterase Type IV inhibitor; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S282); MK-966 (COX-2 Inhibitor; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S81); Iloprost (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S82); methotrexate; thalidomide (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), 5282) and thalidomide-related drugs (e.g., Celgen); leflunomide (anti-inflammatory and cytokine inhibitor; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S131; Inflammation Research (1996) Vol. 45, pp. 103-107); tranexamic acid (inhibitor of plasminogen activation; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S284); T-614 (cytokine inhibitor; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S282); prostaglandin E1 (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S282); Tenidap (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S280); Naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; see e.g., Neuro Report (1996) Vol. 7, pp. 1209-1213); Meloxicam (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Piroxicam (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug); Sulfasalazine (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S281); Azathioprine (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S281); ICE inhibitor (inhibitor of the enzyme interleukin-113 converting enzyme); zap-70 and/or lck inhibitor (inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase zap-70 or lck); VEGF inhibitor and/or VEGF-R inhibitor (inhibitors of vascular endothelial cell growth factor or vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor; inhibitors of angiogenesis); corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., SB203580); TNF-convertase inhibitors; anti-IL-12 antibodies; anti-IL-18 antibodies; interleukin-11 (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S296); interleukin-13 (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S308); interleukin-17 inhibitors (see e.g., Arthritis & Rheumatism (1996) Vol. 39, No. 9 (supplement), S120); gold; penicillamine; chloroquine; chlorambucil; hydroxychloroquine; cyclosporine; cyclophosphamide; total lymphoid irradiation; anti-thymocyte globulin; anti-CD4 antibodies; CD5-toxins; orally-administered peptides and collagen; lobenzarit disodium; Cytokine Regulating Agents (CRAs) HP228 and HP466 (Houghten Pharmaceuticals, Inc.); ICAM-1 antisense phosphorothioate oligo-deoxynucleotides (ISIS 2302; Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.); soluble complement receptor 1 (TP10; T Cell Sciences, Inc.); prednisone; orgotein; glycosaminoglycan polysulphate; minocycline; anti-IL2R antibodies; marine and botanical lipids (fish and plant seed fatty acids; see e.g., DeLuca et al. (1995) Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. 21:759-777); auranofin; phenylbutazone; meclofenamic acid; flufenamic acid; intravenous immune globulin; zileuton; azaribine; mycophenolic acid (RS-61443); tacrolimus (FK-506); sirolimus (rapamycin); amiprilose (therafectin); cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine); methotrexate; antivirals; and immune modulating agents.

In one embodiment, the TNFα inhibitor, e.g., TNF antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered in combination with one of the following agents for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: small molecule inhibitor of KDR (ABT-123), small molecule inhibitor of Tie-2; methotrexate; prednisone; celecoxib; folic acid; hydroxychloroquine sulfate; rofecoxib; etanercept; infliximab; leflunomide; naproxen; valdecoxib; sulfasalazine; methylprednisolone; ibuprofen; meloxicam; methylprednisolone acetate; gold sodium thiomalate; aspirin; azathioprine; triamcinolone acetonide; propxyphene napsylate/apap; folate; nabumetone; diclofenac; piroxicam; etodolac; diclofenac sodium; oxaprozin; oxycodone hcl; hydrocodone bitartrate/apap; diclofenac sodium/misoprostol; fentanyl; anakinra, human recombinant; tramadol hcl; salsalate; sulindac; cyanocobalamin/fa/pyridoxine; acetaminophen; alendronate sodium; prednisolone; morphine sulfate; lidocaine hydrochloride; indomethacin; glucosamine sulfate/chondroitin; cyclosporine; amitriptyline hcl; sulfadiazine; oxycodone hcl/acetaminophen; olopatadine hcl; misoprostol; naproxen sodium; omeprazole; mycophenolate mofetil; cyclophosphamide; rituximab; IL-1 TRAP; MRA; CTLA4-IG; IL-18 BP; ABT-874; ABT-325 (anti-IL 18); anti-IL 15; BIRB-796; SCIO-469; VX-702; AMG-548; VX-740; Roflumilast; IC-485; CDC-801; and mesopram. In another embodiment, an TNF antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is administered for the treatment of an TNF-related disorder in combination with one of the above mentioned agents for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The TNFα inhibitor, e.g., antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, used in the methods and compositions of the invention, may also be combined with agents, such as alemtuzumab, dronabinol, Unimed, daclizumab, mitoxantrone, xaliproden hydrochloride, fampridine, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, sinnabidol, a-immunokine NNSO3, ABR-215062, AnergiX.MS, chemokine receptor antagonists, BBR-2778, calagualine, CPI-1189, LEM (liposome encapsulated mitoxantrone), THC.CBD (cannabinoid agonist) MBP-8298, mesopram (PDE4 inhibitor), MNA-715, anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, neurovax, pirfenidone allotrap 1258 (RDP-1258), sTNF-R1, talampanel, teriflunomide, TGF-beta2, tiplimotide, VLA-4 antagonists (for example, TR-14035, VLA4 Ultrahaler, Antegran-ELAN/Biogen), interferon gamma antagonists, IL-4 agonists.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following Example which should not be construed as limiting in any way. The following example describes the efficacy of adalimumab for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also referred to, below as juvenile rheumatois arthritis (JRA). It should be noted that the Examples provided herein represent different methods of treating JIA using a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα, antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. As such, data and results described in the Examples section which shows treatment of JIA using a fixed dosing regimen with a TNFα inhibitor are included in the methods of the invention. The Examples and discoveries described herein are representative of a TNFα inhibitor, e.g., adalimumab, which is effective for treating JIA on a fixed dosing regimen. As such, the studies and results described in the Examples section herein may be used as a guideline for treating JIA with a fixed dose using a TNFα inhibitor.

Example 1: Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA): Converting from Body Surface Area Dosing to Fixed Dosing in the Open-Label Extension (OLE) of a Phase III Study

Adalimumab (ADA), dosed at 24 mg/m2 body-surface-area (BSA) every other week (eow), has been shown to improve signs and symptoms in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) patients in a 48-week Phase III, randomized, controlled withdrawal trial (Ruperto, N 48-Week Data From the Study of Adalimumab in Children With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Poster presented at European League Against Rheumatism 2006).

Patients in the following trial were given the option of entering an open label extension study, with initial continued BSA dosing and a subsequent switch to weight-based fixed dosing (FD).

The following study examines long term efficacy with adalimumab treatment, and compares efficacy between dosing regimens, weight-based vs. fixed dosing (FD). Thus, the objective was to evaluate differences in the efficacy and safety of ADA treatment in JRA when converting from body-surface-area (BSA) dosing to weight-based fixed dosing (FD). The primary efficacy objectives were to 1) determine continued clinical benefit at ACR Pedi 30, 50, and 70 response levels during the open-label extension period, and 2) to examine response levels after switching from BSA dosing to weight-based FD. The primary safety objective was to evaluate the long-term safety profile of adalimumab treatment.

An overview of the study is shown in FIG. 1. A total of 171 patients were enrolled in the trial. All patients received open-label adalimumab 24 mg/M2 BSA (max. dose 40 mg) given subcutaneously (sc) eow for the first 16 weeks. At the end of 16 weeks, ACR Pedi 30 responders entered the double-blind period of the trial and were randomised to either continue to receive adalimumab or to receive placebo.

Patients remained in the double-blind period of the trial for 32 weeks or until time of first flare, whichever came first. Patients who participated in the blinded period could enter into the BSA-dosed open-label extension (BSA-OLE). After at least 16 weeks of BSA-OLE participation, and upon approval of ethics committees, patients could continue into the Fixed-Dosing OLE (FD-OLE), where dosing was based on body weight (patients <30 kg received 20 mg adalimumab eow; those ≥30 kg received 40 mg adalimumab eow).

Inclusion criteria included polyarticular course JRA by ACR Criteria (any onset type), age: 4-17 years, active disease (5 swollen joints; joints with limitation of motion (LOM)), prior adequate trial of NSAIDs and stable methotrexate (MTX) dosage. Exclusion criteria included Functional Class IV by ACR criteria, joint surgery within 2 months of screening, ongoing chronic or active infection, and significant active concomitant illness.

Patient retention throughout the study was good, with few discontinuations due to lack of efficacy or adverse events (patient disposition in the open-label extension is shown in Table 2). 83% of patients entering into the BSA-OLE completed this period of the study and entered into the FD portion of the study. 4 patients (3.8%) discontinued the study during the first 16 weeks of the FD-OLE. Baseline demographics and disease activity in the OLE were consistent with the open-label portion of the study, as shown in Table 3.

TABLE 2 Patient Disposition in Open-Label Extension 128 Entered BS-OLE 106 Completed Reasons for Withdrawal: Other (6) Withdrew consent (9) Lack of Efficacy (4) Adverse Event (2) Protocol violation (1) 53 Entered FD-OLE at 53 Entered FD-OLE at Increased Dose Same/Decreased dose 50 Completed to Week 16 of 53 Completed to Week 16 of FD-OLE FD-OLE Reasons for Withdrawal: Reasons for Withdrawal: Lost to follow-up (2) Adverse Event (1) Other (1)

TABLE 3 Baseline Patient Characteristics and Disease Activity All patients entering study Patients entering BSA-OLE (n = 171) (n = 128) Age (years) 11 11 JRA Duration (years) 4.0 3.6 Female (%) 80 77 Positive RF (%) 22 22 Physician Global 58.2 58.4 Parent Global 42.9 48.2 # Active Joints 15.0 17.2 # LOM Joints 12.8 13.4 CHAQ DI 0.9 1.0 Values are from Day 0 of open-label phase. Mean values, except percentages.

Patients who completed the double-blind phase or flared were eligible to continue in the open-label BSA extension period and receive open-label adalimumab, during which patients who had been on placebo rapidly recovered response. The marked ACR Pedi response rates seen in the earlier periods of the study were maintained over time, as shown in FIG. 2.

For patients entering the FD-OLE, data comparing ACR Pedi responses before and after switching to weight-based fixed dosing showed a maintenance of the ACR Pedi response, as shown in FIG. 3.

For the switch to fixed-dosing, the dosage received by patients could increase, decrease, or stay the same as that previously received during BSA-dosing. Two groups were analyzed to determine if change in dose affected response, patients who increased dose, and patients whose dosage decreased or stayed the same (these patients were grouped together because of the very small number of patients (n=3) who decreased dose). Of the 133 patients who completed the 32-week double-blind period, 128 continued to receive BSA-based dosing in the OLE. Of these, 106 patients continued to the weight-based fixed dosing period. Following the conversion, 50% (53 of 106) of patients received either the same or a lower dose of ADA (because only 3 patients received a decreased ADA dose, the dosage groups were combined for this analysis) and the other 50% received a higher dose. Previous ACR Pedi responses (Week 0) were maintained in both groups during the first 48 weeks of weight-based fixed-dosing (FIG. 4).

Previous ACR Pedi responses (Week 0) were maintained during the first 16 weeks of weight-based fixed-dosing (see Table 4).

TABLE 4 Adalimumab ACR Pedi Response Rates are Maintained in Patients who Decrease or Increase Dosage at Week 16 of the FD Period Patients with Patients same/decreased with increased dosage N1/N2 dosage N1/N2 (% of Response Time on FD (% of responders) responders) PedACR30 Wk 0  48/48 (100) 49/50 (98) Wk 16 46/48 (96) 45/47 (96) PedACR50 Wk 0 46/48 (96) 47/50 (94) Wk 16 46/48 (96) 45/47 (96) PedACR70 Wk 0 42/48 (88) 44/50 (88) Wk 16 42/48 (88) 43/47 (92) Observed. N1 = responders, N2 = pts with data available.

Efficacy of ADA, as measured by American College of Rheumatology Pediatric (ACR Pedi) 30/50/70 responses achieved while patients were receiving BSA-based dosing, was also maintained for 48 weeks after the conversion to weight-based fixed dosing (Table 5).

TABLE 5 Comparison of Adalimumab ACR Pediatric Response Rates Before and After Conversion from BSA-Based Dosing to Weight-Based Fixed Dosing Patients with same Patients with or lower dose higher dose Clinical Response N1/N2* (%) N1/N2* (%) ACR Pedi 30 BSA-based dosing (Week 0)  48/48 (100) 49/50 (98) Weight-based fixed dosing (Week 48) 43/45 (96) 44/46 (96) ACR Pedi 50 BSA-based dosing (Week 0) 46/48 (96) 47/50 (94) Weight-based fixed dosing (Week 48) 42/45 (93) 44/46 (96) ACR Pedi 70 BSA-based dosing (Week 0) 42/48 (88) 44/50 (88) Weight-based fixed dosing (Week 48) 40/45 (89) 42/46 (91)

In addition, efficacy data to week 64 continued to support the flexed dose regimen based on body weight as subjects maintained PedACR responses through 64 weeks of OLE FD treatment regardless of whether they remained on the same dose/decreased dose or increased dose administered compared to the dose received during the OLE BSA period as shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Analysis of PedACR30/50/70/90 Responders by Stratification Level and Dose Change (Up to Week 64) Open-label Extension Fixed Dose Phase Open-label Extension Fixed Dose Population MTX Non-MTX Same/ Increased Same/ Increased Decreased Dose Dose Decreased Dose Dose N = 28 N = 31 N = 25 N = 22 Visit N1/N2^(a) (%) N1/N2^(a) (%) PedACR30 Baseline^(b) (OLE  24/24 (100.0)  29/29 (100.0)  24/24 (100.0) 20/21 (95.2) FD) Week 16 (OLE 23/24 (95.8) 28/29 (96.6) 23/24 (95.8) 18/19 (94.7) FD) Week 32 (OLE  22/22 (100.0) 24/25 (96.0) 20/21 (95.2)  18/18 (100.0) FD) Week 48 (OLE 20/22 (90.9) 27/29 (93.1)  23/23 (100.0)  17/17 (100.0) FD) Week 64 (OLE  20/20 (100.0) 26/27 (96.3) 19/20 (95.0)  16/16 (100.0) FD) PedACR50 Baseline^(b) (OLE 23/24 (95.8) 27/29 (93.1) 23/24 (95.8) 20/21 (95.2) FD) Week 16 (OLE 23/24 (95.8) 28/29 (96.6) 23/24 (95.8) 18/19 (94.70 FD) Week 32 (OLE  22/22 (100.0) 23/25 (92.0) 18/21 (85.7)  18/18 (100.0) FD) Week 48 (OLE 20/22 (90.9) 27/29 (93.1) 22/23 (95.7)  17/17 (100.0) FD) Week 64 (OLE 19/20 (95.0) 25/27 (92.6) 19/20 (95.0)  16/16 (100.0) FD) PedACR70 Baseline^(b) (OLE 21/24 (87.5) 25/29 (86.2) 21/24 (87.5) 19/21 (90.5) FD) Week 16 (OLE 22/24 (91.7) 26/29 (89.7) 21/24 (87.5) 18/19 (94.7) FD) Week 32 (OLE 20/22 (90.9) 21/25 (84.0) 16/21 (76.2)  18/18 (100.0) FD) Week 48 (OLE 19/22 (86.4) 25/29 (86.2) 21/23 (91.3)  17/17 (100.0) FD) Week 64 (OLE 19/20 (95.0) 21/27 (77.8) 18/20 (90.0) 15/16 (93.8) FD) PedACR90 Baseline^(b) (OLE 14/24 (58.3) 23/29 (79.3) 17/24 (70.8) 14/21 (66.7) FD) Week 16 (OLE 17/24 (70.8) 21/29 (72.4) 19/24 (79.2) 17/19 (89.5) FD) Week 32 (OLE 12/22 (54.5) 18/25 (72.0) 16/21 (76.2) 14/18 (77.8) FD) Week 48 (OLE 14/22 (63.6) 23/219 (79.3)  18/23 (78.3) 14/17 (82.4) FD) Week 64 (OLE 14/20 (70.0) 16/27 (59.3) 17/20 (85.0)  1/16 (68.8) FD) ^(a)N1 = number of responders, N2 = the number of subjects with non-missing responses. ^(b)Response is calculated using OL lead-in phase Baseline.

Improvements from baseline values in individual response criteria were seen throughout the study, and these were maintained at Week 48 of the FD-OLE period. Improvements in tender and swollen joint counts were sustained in patients whether they maintained, decreased, or increased dosage (see FIG. 5). Physician's assessment of disease activity and pain, as well as patient-reported disability, showed continued improvements (see Table 7).

TABLE 7 Improvements in Disability and Signs/Symptoms are Maintained at Week 16 of the FD-OLE % Improvement from Baseline Same/Decreased Dose Increased Dose CHAQ 80 85 Active Joint Count 94 95 Physician Global Assessment 86 90 CHAQ = Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. Data are shown only for patients who entered FD-OLE. Improvements are versus baseline values from Day 0 of open-label phase.

Adverse event rates in the FD-OLE were similar to those seen in the BSA-OLE, and no new safety signals were seen. Discontinuations due to adverse events were low throughout the study. During the OLE-BSA period, only two patients discontinued due to adverse events (see Table 8), and during the OLE-FD period, only one patient discontinued due to an adverse event. No AEs of malignancy, congestive heart failure, demyelinating disease, opportunistic infection, Lupus-like syndrome, serious blood dyscrasias, or death were reported during the study. Adverse event rates remained stable after conversion to FD, as shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Adverse Event Rates remain stable after conversion to FD BSA-OLE FD-OLE N = 106* N = 106 PY = 198.1 PY = 32.1 Event Events (Events/100 PYs) Infections 290 (146)   41 (128)  Serious Infections 5 (2.5) 1 (3.1) Serious Adverse 22 (11.1) 3 (9.3) Events Malignancies 0 0 *Data are for patients entering the FD-OLE period. PY = patient years. Serious adverse events for this patient group during the BSA-OLE included abdominal pain, heamatochezia, bronchopneumonia, herpes zoster, pharyngitis, arthritis, JRA (4), speech disorder, malabsorption, appendicitis, joint dislocation, joint contracture, osteoarthritis, pregnancy, adenoidal and tonsillar hypertrophy (2). Except where noted, events occurred in one patient. The majority of events were judged not or probably not related by the investigator. Serious adverse events during the FD-OLE included one event each of appendicitis, knee deformity, and arthritis. All events were judged not or probably not related by the investigator.

In conclusion, treatment with adalimumab provided substantial clinical improvement in children with active JRA. Marked improvements in disease severity and activity were maintained through 56 weeks of open-label treatment using body-surface-area dosing. These improvements were maintained after switching to weight-based fixed-dosing. Adalimumab was generally safe and well-tolerated in children with JRA. Adalimumab was efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of JRA. The high ACR Pedi 30/50/70/90 response rates achieved during BSA-based dosing were maintained during 48 weeks of weight-based fixed dosing.

Example 2: Improvements in Individual Disease Components are Sustained with Long-Term Adalimumab Therapy for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

To control symptoms and prevent increasing disability in children with active polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), long-term, effective treatment that controls all aspects of the disease is necessary. Individual ACR Pedi response criteria were analyzed for the 128 patients who entered the open-label extension (OLE) of a Phase III study of adalimumab in the treatment of polyarticular JIA. Measurements of disease activity were performed at each visit, including active joint count (AJC), number of joints with limitation of passive motion (LOM), parent's or patient's assessment of patient's pain (PaP), disability index of the Children's Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ DI), and physician's global assessment of disease activity (PhDA). Observed data were examined for those patients who had been treated with adalimumab throughout the study and reached more than 1 year in the OLE (Week 56; 75% of entering patients had data available). Patients entering the study had active polyarticular JIA, with clinically significant joint involvement, pain, limitation of motion, and disability in performing daily living activities. Long-term treatment with adalimumab provided marked improvements in disease activity, as shown in Table 9. The established safety profile for adalimumab remained consistent.

TABLE 9 Improvements in JIA with Adalimumab Therapy AJC* LOW* PaP^(†) CHAQ DI^(‡) PhDA^(†) Baseline 17 14 49 1.05 57 Improvement at 90% 70% 74% 83% 84% Week 56 of OLE *75 joints assessed, **69 joints assessed ^(†)100-mm visual analog scale: greater scores = more active disease/more pain; ^(‡)0 (best) to 3 (worst)

Example 3: Summary of Phase III Study Showing Efficacy of Fixed Dose Regimen

The safety and efficacy of Humira® (adalimumab) were assessed in a multicenter, randomized, withdrawal, double-blind, parallel-group study in 171 children (4 to 17 years old) with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In the study, the patients were stratified into two groups: MTX-treated or non-MTX-treated. All subjects had to show signs of active moderate or severe disease despite previous treatment with NSAIDs, analgesics, corticosteroids, or DMARDS. Subjects who received prior treatment with any biologic DMARDS were excluded from the study. The study included four phases: an open-label lead in phase (OL-LI; 16 weeks), a double-blind randomized withdrawal phase (DB; 32 weeks), an open-label extension phase (OLE-BSA; up to 136 weeks), and an open-label fixed dose phase (OLE-FD; 16 weeks). In the first three phases of the study, Humira® (adalimumab) was administered based on body surface area at a dose of 24 mg/m2 up to a maximum total body dose of 40 mg subcutaneously (SC) every other week. In the OLE-FD phase, the patients were treated with 20 mg of Humira® (adalimumab) SC every other week if their weight was less than 30 kg and with 40 mg of Humira® (adalimumab) SC every other week if their weight was 30 kg or greater. Patients remained on stable doses of NSAIDs and or prednisone (≤0.2 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/day maximum). Patients demonstrating a Pediatric ACR 30 response at the end of OL-LI phase were randomized into the double blind (DB) phase of the study and received either Humira® (adalimumab) or placebo every other week for 32 weeks or until disease flare. Disease flare was defined as a worsening of ≥30% from baseline in ≥3 of 6 Pediatric ACR core criteria, ≥2 active joints, and improvement of >30% in no more than 1 of the 6 criteria. After 32 weeks or at the time of disease flare during the DB phase, patients were treated in the open-label extension phase based on the BSA regimen (OLE-BSA), before converting to a fixed dose regimen based on body weight (OLE-FD phase).

Clinical Response:

At the end of the 16-week OL-LI phase, 94% of the patients in the MTX stratum and 74% of the patients in the non-MTX stratum were Pediatric ACR 30 responders. In the DB phase significantly fewer patients who received Humira® (adalimumab) experienced disease flare compared to placebo, both without MTX (43% vs. 71%) and with MTX (37% vs. 65%). More patients treated with Humira® (adalimumab) continued to show pediatric ACR 30/50/70 responses at Week 48 compared to patients treated with placebo. Pediatric ACR responses were maintained for up to two years in the OLE phase in patients who received Humira® (adalimumab) throughout the study.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. The contents of all references, patents, and published patent applications, and patent applications cited throughout this application are incorporated herein by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a subject comprising administering a TNFα inhibitor to the subject, wherein the TNFα inhibitor is administered to the subject according to a fixed dosing regimen. 